Qatar said on Friday that negotiations are still ongoing after a seven-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza expired.

It warned that the resumption of military operations would complicate mediation efforts.

In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry expressed “its deep regret at the resumption of the Israeli aggression against Gaza after ceasefire ended.”

Qatar called on the international community to move fast to stop the fighting, saying it “complicates mediation efforts and exacerbates the humanitarian disaster in the strip.”

“Qatar is committed with its partners in mediation to continue the efforts that led to the humanitarian ceasefire,” it said, confirming that negotiations are continuing.

Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. helped broker a ceasefire, which was originally to last four days between Israel and Hamas.

The deal, extended twice and facilitated hostage-for-prisoner swaps, expired on Friday morning.

Within minutes, Israel said its combat operations had resumed and accused Hamas of violating the deal’s terms.

(dpa/NAN)