Doha Forum Ceasefire talks unlikely to restart for weeks, say diplomats

Diplomats at the annual Doha Forum conference in Qatar have said they are not expecting any reopening to Gaza ceasefire talks for some weeks, and say their resumption may turn on Israel being able to point to the killing or capture of Hamas's key leaders as a sign that its military operation has achieved its purpose.

- Patrick Wintour

The US believes this can be achieved as early as Christmas, but different timeframes circulate.

In the meantime, although there will be new diplomatic initiatives, including a further debate and vote on a ceasefire at the UN general assembly today, the Biden administration is not going to apply any pressure on Israel to end its campaign.

In Europe, Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, said the bloc would propose that its member governments impose sanctions on extremist settlers in the West Bank committing acts of violence against Palestinians.

This move was echoed in London, where Andrew Mitchell, a Foreign Office minister, told MPs the government was considering travel bans for violent West Bank settlers.