Qatar’s foreign ministry said efforts to forge a Gaza truce were “ongoing”, after several rounds of talks aimed at ending the now 11-month bombardment ended without a breakthrough, AFP reports.

“The efforts are still ongoing and channels of communication remain open…the goals and visits and meetings are ongoing,” ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari told reporters.

“When it comes to the possibility of a deal taking place anytime soon, of course, we remain hopeful at every juncture,” he said.

“I can’t comment on the prospects of a deal taking place right now but I can tell you that we remain hopeful and we continue with our efforts.”