Israel has called on Qatar, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, to “stop playing both sides with its double talk and decide if it’s on the side of civilisation or if it’s on the side of Hamas”, Reuters reports, citing a statement from Israeli Prime Minister’s office.

Qatar rejected the statements as “inflammatory”.

Despite efforts by Egyptian and Qatari mediators to restore a ceasefire, neither Israel nor Hamas has shown willingness to back down on core demands, with each side blaming the other for the failure to reach a deal.