Ankara - Qatari authorities reported a "positive atmosphere" ahead of the start of talks for a second phase of a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
"There is a positive atmosphere that may encourage the start of the second phase of negotiations on a ceasefire agreement in Gaza," Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari told a press conference in Doha on Tuesday.
However, Al-Ansari said that negotiations have not yet begun. He also hopes that negotiations can begin as soon as possible.
Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman also said that the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza was still not at an "adequate" level and stressed that humanitarian aid "should not be a bargaining chip" in ceasefire negotiations.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the second phase of Gaza ceasefire negotiations would begin this week.
Saar said his side would demand the "full demilitarization" of the Gaza Strip, The Jerusalem Post reported.
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange has been in place since January 19, temporarily ending the Israeli aggression that has killed nearly 48,300 Palestinians in Gaza and caused massive destruction in the region.