Qatar says talks to agree on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza were “not very promising” in recent days.

But, according to BBC News, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said he remained optimistic, despite the fact that “time is not in our favour”.

Hamas has blamed Israel for a lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire deal.

The assessment also comes as Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netayanhu said he would press ahead with plans for a Rafah ground invasion, despite growing international pressure.

In the earlier days of the conflict, Israel instructed Palestinians to seek refuge in Rafah.

Now, they reportedly want civilians to relocate to what they call a “humanitarian zone” – a thin strip of mainly agricultural land along the Mediterranean coast known as al-Mawasi.

Today, thousands took part in demonstrations in several countries calling for a ceasefire.

These included protests in Spain, England, and Sweden.

According to Al Jazeera, there were also demonstrations in Israel, with persons calling for a captive-prisoner exchange deal and immediate elections.