Pressure mounts on the Israeli government to bring back hostages held by Hamas; but what are the chances of negotiation mediated by Qatar?

Also in the programme; a controversy in Germany over the awarding of a political prize; a snap election in Serbia; and Carlos Lyra, one of the men behind the popularity of bossa nova music has died.

(Picture: Relatives and supporters hold signs as they rally for the release of hostages kidnapped on the deadly October 7 attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, December 16, 2023. Credit: REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura)