Qatar has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent comments accusing the Gulf state of supporting Hamas during ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks. The statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry came on Sunday, a day after Netanyahu questioned Qatar’s neutrality.
Netanyahu’s office said Qatar must stop playing both sides and choose between supporting civilization or supporting Hamas. In response, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari called the remarks inflammatory and lacking responsibility.
Netanyahu’s Statement Draws Sharp Response
The Israeli Prime Minister’s comments caused diplomatic tension. Qatar, a key mediator in Gaza truce talks, said such criticism harms peace efforts. Doha maintains that it is working to end the violence and secure hostage releases.
Al-Ansari said these accusations ignore Qatar’s mediation efforts. He criticized the framing of the Gaza war as a fight for civilization and compared it to past regimes that used similar narratives to justify attacks on civilians.
Mediation Efforts Remain Stuck
Despite efforts by Qatar and Egypt, the ceasefire talks have made no progress. Both Israel and Hamas continue to stick to their core demands.
Israel wants the return of 59 hostages still held in Gaza. It also wants Hamas to disarm and be removed from any role in the future governance of the territory.
Hamas, however, is demanding a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza before agreeing to release more hostages.
Qatar Defends Its Role
Qatar has played a key role in previous negotiations that led to hostage releases. Al-Ansari pointed out that 138 hostages were released through mediation, not military force.
He said that ongoing mediation should be supported, not criticized. He added that Qatar would not be discouraged by outside pressure and would continue to work for peace.
Humanitarian Conditions in Gaza Worsen
Qatar also highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Al-Ansari described the region as being under a total blockade, with people facing hunger, lack of shelter, and no access to medical supplies.
Human rights groups and aid agencies have issued repeated warnings. They say the blockade and continued airstrikes have put over 2 million civilians at serious risk.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, many homes have been destroyed, and clean water and electricity are no longer available in most parts of Gaza.
Israel Plans New Military Operations
On Friday, Israeli media reported that the security cabinet approved an expanded military operation in Gaza. This signals that Israel is preparing to intensify its campaign despite stalled negotiations.
The current conflict began after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. That attack killed about 1,200 people in Israel and led to 251 hostages being taken to Gaza.
Since then, Israel’s military response has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to local sources. Large parts of Gaza have been flattened, and the humanitarian crisis has deepened.
International Pressure Builds
There is growing pressure from the international community for a ceasefire. The United Nations has urged both sides to return to talks. People across the world have marched in protest, calling for an end to the violence and for more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
Despite the criticism, Qatar says it will continue its role as a neutral mediator. The government insists that the only path forward is through diplomacy and cooperation.
