Tánaiste: Talks to bring about ceasefire in Gaza 'gone backwards'

People and health workers unearth bodies found at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Picture: AFP via Getty Images

Hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza are all but gone as Israel remains intent on mounting a ground invasion of the southern city of Rafah.

Talks to bring about a pause in the seven-month conflict have "gone backwards", according to Tánaiste Micheál Martin who said there is now a lack of political will on both sides.