The Israeli government’s stance has been an obstacle to a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said.

“Qatar has been playing the role of a mediator since the start of the conflict . We have been doing this for more than a year but, regrettably, an agreement requires both parties’ consent. One of the sides has no intention to conclude it. No matter what we do as mediators, the result stays the same. You know about the obstacles. The Israeli side has been an obstacle, particularly as of lately,” the premier said in an interview to national Qatar Television.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized that although his country sticks to its “consistent, clear and well-known stance” in support of the Palestinian people, its mediation efforts have always been “absolutely transparent and in good faith.”

He added that Qatar will continue its efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.