Islamic State claims responsibility for hospital suicide bombing in which 15 die

Government forces backed by Russian air strikes battle insurgents in fight to extend gains

Damascus and main opposition coalition still poles apart

Syrian government dismisses declaration by Kurdish Democratic Union party

Move comes as Kurds announce plan for federal state in northern Syria

UN mediator Staffan de Mistura says peace talks are the sole viable option for Syria

Role of president Bashar al-Assad is main point of contention between factions

Decision eases concern about boycott of UN-mediated talks to end five-year conflict

Envoy seeks resumption of peace talks as group says 135 killed in truce area in one week

Jaish al-Islam says battles with ‘Assad gangs’ in areas such as Ghouta, Homs and Aleppo

France says there are reports of attacks on opposition forces

Opposition representing 100 armed factions says it will observe two-week truce

Vladimir Putin says all parties expected to take part in a ceasefire are ready to do so

Analysis: US co-operation means humanitarian aid can be delivered, and ceasefires may hold

Analysis: Blame for derailed negotiations is being passed between the powers involved

Long-awaited negotiations to end the five-year war in Syria begin in Geneva today