After a leaked recording of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu terming Qatar, a big problem in efforts for the release of Hamas captives, Qatar expressed its dismay slamming Netanyahu for obstructing mediation efforts and prioritizing his political career over the humanitarian crisis.
Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, expressed dismay over the reported remarks attributed to Netanyahu, labelling them as "irresponsible and destructive" to the efforts aimed at saving innocent lives.
Al Ansari emphasized that if the allegations are validated, they would indicate Netanyahu's obstruction of the mediation process, undermining the priority of saving lives.
The leaked recording, aired on Israel's Channel 12 news, purportedly features Netanyahu dismissing Qatar's role in mediation efforts and questioning its essence compared to international organizations like the UN and the Red Cross. Despite this, Netanyahu expressed willingness to utilize any mediator to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
“When I talk about Qatar, you don’t hear me thank Qatar, why?” Netanyahu said, according to a recording. “Because Qatar, as far as I’m concerned, is not significantly different from the U.N., is not significantly different from the Red Cross, and to some extent is even more problematic,” Netanyahu was heard saying in the leaked recording.
Qatar, known for its ties with Hamas political leaders, has been a pivotal mediator between the Palestinian movement and Israeli authorities. In November, Qatar facilitated a temporary ceasefire leading to the release of hostages from both sides.
Netanyahu's comments in the leaked recording also touched upon Qatar's financial support for Hamas, highlighting the Gulf state's leverage over the militant group. Additionally, Netanyahu expressed frustration over the renewal of a US military presence deal in Qatar, indicating a strain in diplomatic relations.
In response to Qatar's accusations, Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, accused Doha of supporting terrorism. Smotrich attributed responsibility to Qatar for a Hamas attack on Israel in October and urged Western nations to increase pressure on Qatar for the immediate release of hostages.
As tensions persist in the region, the role of mediators like Qatar remains crucial in navigating towards a peaceful resolution amidst ongoing hostilities.