Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, addressed the ongoing contacts in Doha regarding a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza. He said that "negotiations are still in the first phase of reaching an agreement on principles. Efforts are being made around the clock to reach an agreement as soon as possible." Al-Ansari added: "The contacts are taking place both in Doha and Washington. We do not have a timeline for a visit by the American envoy Steve Witkoff to Doha."