Qatar has urged Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement on releasing hostages seized in the October 7 attack, cautioning that the situation in Gaza was worsening on a daily basis, AFP reports.

Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari told a news conference in Doha that the “deteriorating” situation in Gaza was hampering mediation efforts.

“We believe that there is no other chance for both sides other than for this mediation to take place and to reach a situation where we can see a glimmer of hope in this terrible crisis”, he added.

The Gulf state has been leading negotiations for the release of hostages and to secure a temporary ceasefire.