Mediators Qatar and Egypt are “working intensively” to resolve the crisis surrounding the Gaza ceasefire deal, a Palestinian source tells AFP, after Israel threatened to resume its invasion if Hamas fails to release hostages by the weekend.

“Mediators from Qatar and Egypt are in contact with the American side,” said the source on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly on the Gaza ceasefire.

“They are working intensively to resolve the crisis and compel Israel to implement the humanitarian protocol in the ceasefire agreement and begin negotiations for the second phase,” the source added.