Qatar has expressed its "strong condemnation" of recent media reports alleging that it paid money to undermine Egypt's mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel.

The Qatari government denied the "baseless allegations, which only serve agendas aimed at sabotaging mediation efforts and undermining relations between brotherly peoples."

The Qatari government's statement addressed the recent controversy in Israel, following the revelation that advisors close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had received funds from Qatar to promote Doha positively in Israel, in exchange for downplaying Egypt's role in mediating between Hamas and Israel. Suspects have been arrested in this case, which has become known in the media as "Qatargate."

A statement issued by the International Media Office in Doha said that the State of Qatar expresses its "strong condemnation of media statements by some media professionals and outlets alleging that the State of Qatar is paying money to diminish the efforts of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt or any of the mediators in the mediation process between Hamas and Israel."

The statement added, "These allegations are baseless and serve only agendas aimed at sabotaging mediation efforts and undermining relations between brotherly peoples. They also represent a new chapter in the series of misinformation, distraction from the humanitarian suffering, and the ongoing politicization of the war."

Qatar also warned against "these individuals slipping into serving projects whose sole purpose is to thwart mediation and increase the suffering of our brothers in Palestine."

Doha affirmed its commitment to its humanitarian and diplomatic role in mediating between the concerned parties to end this disastrous war, and is working closely and continuously with our brothers in the Arab Republic of Egypt to enhance the chances of achieving a lasting ceasefire and protecting the lives of civilians.

The statement added: "The State of Qatar commends the pivotal role of our brothers in the Arab Republic of Egypt in this important issue, as daily cooperation and coordination between the two sides is underway to ensure the success of joint mediation efforts aimed at achieving stability in the region."

Qatar also reiterated its "emphasis that mediation efforts must remain free from any attempts at politicization or distortion, and that the priority remains alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, protecting civilians, and achieving a just and sustainable settlement based on the two-state solution."