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LONDON, Feb 13 Reuters Oil prices edged up on Tuesday as uncertainty over fighting in the Middle East kept markets on edge, but gains were capped by concerns that central banks will keep interest rates higher for longer to battle inflation, weighing on energy demand.

Brent futures rose 30 cents to 82.30 a barrel as of 0924 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate WTI crude gained 31 cents to 77.23 a barrel.

Oil prices were near flat in Monday39;s trade, after gaining 6 last week.

The conflict in the Middle East has kept prices elevated, as the U.S. and Jordan maintained pressure for a Gaza Strip ceasefire. Senior mediators were to resume work on Tuesday on an IsraelHamas truce agreement, with the threat of an Israeli ground offensive looming in Rafah.

Oil prices have been numbed into submission by what has transpired, or not, in the Middle East, said John Evans of oil broker PVM in a note on Tuesday.

One untoward act, missile or sudden peace agreement and crude prices will move 10barrel.

Yemen39;s Iranaligned Houthis have kept up their attacks in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians and striking vessels with commercial ties to the U.S., Britain and Israel since midNovember.

But changing expectations over the path of U.S. interest rates have…