Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani stressed that his country supports the Palestinian people and not any political faction, rejecting what he described as Israeli “lies” about allegations of Doha’s funding of Hamas.

Bin Abdul Rahman said in an interview with the American National Public Radio (NPR): “Qatar supports peace and supports the Palestinian people living in dignity. We do not support Hamas or any political faction there.”

He explained that “55 percent of Qatar’s support for the Palestinians went to the West Bank, and 45 percent went to the Gaza Strip,” and that “the support went directly to the people, and not to any political faction there.”

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked Qatar, and said: “I think we must demand that Qatar, which hosts and funds Hamas and its leaders, release the rest of our hostages.” “I think the whole world is following the Qatari role.”

In other statements, Netanyahu accused Qatar of being a “problematic” country.

When Bin Abdul Rahman was asked about his response to these statements, he said: “I will not bother responding to irresponsible statements.”

He added: “The allegation of our funding of Hamas is categorically rejected, and this is clearly evident from the way we support the people of Gaza. All of this happens under the supervision of his government and the supervision of the governments of other countries,” and he stressed that this is taking place within the framework of a “transparent and legitimate process.”

He continued: “I confirm that all those who know and follow this process know that the Israeli claims are nothing but lies and are trying to mislead public opinion.”