Qatar says truce talks between Israel and Hamas are at their “closest point” to a deal for Gaza after the resolution of “major issues” in recent weeks. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says a ceasefire in  Gaza is “on the brink,” and that it is up to Hamas to decide on accepting the deal, which also includes releasing the Israeli hostages held by the Islamist militant group.

“The ball is in Hamas’s court,” Blinken said in Washington. “If Hamas accepts, the deal is ready to be concluded and implemented.”

Blinken also said the outgoing Biden administration would hand over a plan for the post-war management of Gaza to President-elect Donald Trump’s team.

The plan includes an interim security mission involving international forces and Palestinians together. 

Blinken said a reformed Palestinian Authority would lead Gaza under the plan and would invite international partners to help establish and run an interim administration for the enclave.