Israel and Qatar Clash Publicly Over Failed Gaza Truce Efforts

On Saturday, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office urged Qatar to choose sides. It told Qatar—an important mediator between Israel and Hamas—to “stop playing both sides with its double talk and decide if it’s on the side of civilisation or if it’s on the side of Hamas.”

Qatar Condemns the Accusation

Qatar swiftly rejected Israel’s criticism. Its foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, called the remarks “inflammatory” and said they “fall far short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility.” Despite efforts by Egypt and Qatar to restart a ceasefire, neither Israel nor Hamas has backed down on key demands. Each side blames the other for the lack of progress.

Israel’s Conditions for a Deal

Israel insists on three main points before it will agree to release hostages:

1. The return of the 59 captives still held in Gaza.

2. Hamas must disarm.

3. Hamas cannot take part in governing Gaza in the future.

Hamas refuses to disarm or give up any role in Gaza’s administration. It also demands a clear end to fighting and a withdrawal of Israeli forces as part of any hostage-release deal.

Qatar’s Defense of Its Role

On Sunday, Al-Ansari posted on X (formerly Twitter). He challenged Israel’s claim that Qatar stood against civilisation. He asked whether the 138 hostages freed so far came home because of military force or due to mediation. He warned that such criticism “undermines” genuine diplomatic efforts.

He also highlighted Gaza’s severe humanitarian crisis. He pointed to what he called a “suffocating blockade,” widespread hunger, lack of medicine and shelter, and the use of aid as “a tool of political coercion.”

Signs of Escalation

Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that Israel’s security cabinet approved plans on Friday to expand its Gaza operation. This move suggests that talks to halt the fighting and free the remaining hostages have stalled.

Casualties and Context

Israel launched its campaign after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel and took 251 hostages. Since then, airstrikes and fighting have killed over 50,000 Palestinians and devastated Gaza, where aid groups warn the blockade could trigger a full-blown humanitarian disaster.