'How can mediation succeed when one side assassinates negotiator on other side': Qatari premier

ISTANBUL

After the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, Qatar on Wednesday questioned the seriousness of Israel regarding the cease-fire talks that have been taking place for months between Israel and Hamas.

Referring to Haniyeh's assassination and continued targeting of civilians in Gaza by Israel, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said: "How can mediation (for Israel-Hamas cease-fire) succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on other side?"

He added that "peace needs serious partners and a global stance against the disregard for human life."

Earlier, Qatar's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Israeli assassination of Haniyeh, considering it "a heinous crime (...) and a flagrant violation of international law."

Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt have failed to agree on a permanent cease-fire that allows a prisoner swap between Israelis and Palestinians.

So far, efforts by the three countries to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas have been hampered by Netanyahu's rejection of Hamas' call to halt hostilities.

Early Wednesday, Hamas announced that Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his residence in Tehran.

Iranian state television confirmed Haniyeh's death, saying an investigation is underway and that the findings will be released soon.

Israel has yet to make an official statement regarding the airstrike on Haniyah's residence in Tehran.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar