US official says next round of ceasefire talks moving to Doha

Ongoing talks aimed at bringing about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are shifting to the Qatari capital of Doha after several days of intense negotiations in Cairo, according to a US official.

A round of high-level talks in Cairo meant to bring about a ceasefire and hostage deal to at least create a temporary pause in the war ended Sunday without a final agreement. Those talks included CIA director William Burns and Mossad chief David Barnea. But lower-level working teams had remained in Cairo as mediators from the United States, Qatar and Egypt in hopes to address remaining disagreements.

The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly, says White House Middle East adviser Brett McGurk, who has been a key US negotiator, has arrived in Doha and is expected to take part in the talks. The official did not offer an explanation for why the parties have decided to move the talks. Both Cairo and Doha have served as hosts for talks aimed at ending the war throughout the conflict.

Hebrew media reports indicate that an Israeli delegation is set to depart for Doha to take part in the talks tomorrow.