Leaked audio statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he criticised Qatar's efforts to mediate with Hamas, complicated the already difficult negotiations intended to end the hostilities in exchange for the release of hostages.
Qatar expressed its shock at the remarks on Wednesday. At a meeting with relatives of Hamas hostages, Netanyahu described Qatar's mediation role as "problematic", according to CBC.
Netanyahu's comments, according to Qatar, a major mediator who has close ties to the organisation and is home to some of its exiled leaders, were "irresponsible and destructive."
The public discussion coincided with delicate negotiations aimed at advancing a possible deal that could provide some relief from the deadly three-and-a-half-month-old war.
Over 25,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the war, according to Palestinian health officials. Approximately 85% of the 2.3 million people living in the region have been forced to flee, and a humanitarian crisis has resulted.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, intense fighting persisted, particularly in southern Gaza, where an Israeli tank strike on a UN facility resulted in at least nine fatalities and numerous injuries, according to the UN. Israel asserted that Hamas might have started the bombardment while denying that its forces were at fault.
Netanyahu has promised to keep up the onslaught against Hamas until "complete victory".
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