Qatar hopeful Hamas will soon release more Israeli hostages

Qatar has negotiated release of four hostages so far, but says an Israeli invasion could jeopardise efforts for more

The prime minister of Qatar has said he hopes there will soon be a breakthrough in negotiations led by the Gulf state to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, although his government has warned that an Israel invasion could jeopardise those efforts.

“There is some progress and some breakthrough and we remain hopeful,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani at a press conference in the Qatari capital.