Qatar, a mediator in the Gaza conflict, said there was no direct link between talks for a truce in Gaza and an international push for an immediate ceasefire between Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israel, AFP reports.

“I’m not aware of a direct link, but obviously both mediations are hugely overlapping when you are talking about the same parties, for the most part, that are taking part,” foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told reporters.

Ansari said Qatar was “working with our partners” to ensure “an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon” and “work our way back from the current escalation”.

“On the other track, the talks about Gaza, we continue with our efforts,” he added.

The United States and allies including Qatar on Wednesday called for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon as the death toll mounts from Israeli strikes on the Iran-backed group, particularly on its strongholds in Lebanon’s south.