Cairo, 19 November 2023 (dpa/MIA) - There are "minor" challenges facing a deal to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, and they are mainly logistical issues, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said.

"The deal is going through ups and downs from time to time... but I think that I am now more confident we are close enough to reach a deal," he told a joint press conference with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in Doha.

"The sticking points honestly at this stage are more practical, logistical, not really something represent the core of the deal... The challenges that remain in the negotiations are very minor," he added.

Efforts to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages have been ongoing for weeks, as Qatar and Egypt act as mediators between Hamas and Israel.