The indirect negotiations aimed at a ceasefire in Gaza between the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas and Israel continue at Qatar for the fifth consecutive day, an official told Agence France-Presse today.

“Hamas and Israel continue to be in Qatar,” said the official, who wished to remain anonymous because of the sensitive nature of the talks, clarifying that the two sides are continuing talks through mediators.

A new round of negotiations began Sunday in the Qatari capital after more than 21 months of war in Gaza, in the hope of reaching an agreement based on a US-backed proposal that calls for an initial 60-day cease-fire.

The mediators are “going back and forth between the two camps to exchange ideas, bridge the last differences and maintain momentum for an agreement,” the source added.