In a heated development in the Gaza conflict, Israel has openly criticized Qatar, accusing the Gulf nation of playing a double game in its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas. The statement, issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office on Saturday, called on Qatar to “stop playing both sides with its double talk” and to clearly choose “whether it’s on the side of civilization or on the side of Hamas.”
Qatar quickly fired back, dismissing the accusations as “inflammatory” and lacking “the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility.” The verbal clash adds another layer of complexity to the already fragile and stalled ceasefire negotiations led by Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
Despite intense diplomatic efforts, no significant breakthrough has been achieved. Israel remains firm in its stance that any deal must include the return of 59 hostages still held by Hamas and the complete disarmament of the militant group. Furthermore, Israeli leadership has made it clear that Hamas should play no role in the future governance of Gaza — a demand Hamas continues to reject.
On the other hand, Hamas has insisted that any deal must include a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. These core disagreements have kept both parties locked in a standoff, with each blaming the other for derailing progress.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to defend the country’s mediation efforts. He challenged the narrative that Israel is upholding “civilization,” comparing it to historical regimes that used similar language to justify the oppression of civilians.
Al-Ansari also questioned how the release of 138 hostages earlier in the conflict was secured — through Israeli military action or through Qatari-mediated diplomacy. He emphasized the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting issues such as a crippling blockade, starvation, a lack of medical supplies, and the use of humanitarian aid as leverage in political negotiations.
Tensions are expected to rise further following reports that Israel’s security cabinet has approved plans to expand military operations in Gaza. This move suggests little faith in the current negotiation process and points to a renewed military campaign in the near future.
The conflict was reignited by the devastating Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and led to 251 being taken hostage. Since then, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to aid groups, who also warn that the Israeli blockade is pushing the territory to the brink of a full-scale humanitarian disaster.
As rhetoric intensifies and hope for a ceasefire dims, the world watches anxiously. The growing friction between Israel and Qatar threatens to derail diplomatic efforts and prolong the suffering of millions caught in the crossfire.
