Israel: Qatar hosts and funds Hamas, should pressure it to free hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stepped up public pressure on Qatar on Saturday to bring about the release of Gaza hostages, saying the Gulf emirate should apply the leverage it has as a host and funder of the Hamas militants holding them.

Asked about his closed-door remarks, an audio recording of which was leaked to Israeli TV this week, that he was refraining from thanking Qatar for its mediation and deemed it "problematic", Netanyahu told reporters: "I take back nothing."

(Writing by Dan Williams)