No progress in negotiations to halt fighting between Israel and Hamas after 4 months. Death toll in the Gaza Strip has so far exceeded 27,500.
136 people, including Israelis, are still being held hostage by Hamas. Negotiations for a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages are underway with Qatar and Egypt acting as intermediaries. There remains a gap between Hamas, which seeks a complete ceasefire, and Israel, which does not approve of it. It is unclear whether negotiations will be concluded.