EU's top diplomat urges more pressure for Gaza deal

The European Union's foreign policy chief called Tuesday for more pressure on Israel and Hamas for a Gaza ceasefire as a deal remained out of reach despite several rounds of talks.

Josep Borrell said Israeli hostages and the people of Gaza could not wait any longer, as the clock ticks down to one year since the October 7 attacks that triggered the war.

"The only thing I can say is that all actors involved have to continue putting pressure on both parties to reach this agreement," he said in Dubai during a visit to the United Arab Emirates.

"But it's coming late. Every day that the agreement is not being reached, it means more hostages will be retained and more people will be killed.

"So it's not a matter of waiting for tomorrow. Tomorrow is already too late."

Mediator Qatar earlier said talks were "ongoing" and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced his 10th visit to the region since the war started.

Months of negotiations brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States have failed to halt the fighting between Hamas and Israel, apart from a one-week truce beginning in late November.

Borrell said he also discussed Gaza's future with UAE officials, adding: "If there is not a political project, the war is just a repetition one after another, always the same story."

"The Emirates are doing a lot from a diplomatic point of view and humanitarian point of view," he said.

"And I am sure that for any solution, the day after, they can continue playing an important role."