Qatar Rejects Netanyahu’s Criticism, Defends Mediation Role in Gaza Truce Talks
"The State of Qatar firmly rejects the inflammatory statements issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, which fall far short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility," said Al Ansari.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Qatar on Saturday firmly rejected recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Doha of “playing both sides” in the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In a strongly worded statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari denounced the Israeli leader’s comments as “inflammatory” and lacking “the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility.”
Al Ansari criticized Netanyahu for framing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as a defense of “civilization,” saying such rhetoric “echoes the rhetoric of regimes throughout history that have used false narratives to justify crimes against innocent civilians.”
He emphasized that since the war began, Qatar—working in coordination with Egypt and the United States—has consistently supported mediation efforts aimed at ending the violence, protecting civilians, and securing the release of hostages. He questioned the sincerity of Israel’s dismissal of those efforts, asking whether the release of at least 138 hostages could have been accomplished through military operations alone.
The Qatari spokesperson also drew attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the situation as “one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of modern times,” marked by blockade, starvation, and the politicization of aid. “Is this truly the model of ‘civilization’ being promoted?” he asked.
Al Ansari reaffirmed that Qatar’s foreign policy remains principled and consistent with its role as a credible and impartial mediator. He rejected any attempts to undermine that role through “campaigns of distortion and political pressure,” asserting that Qatar would not be deterred from defending the rights of civilians and upholding international law.
Qatar reiterated its commitment to securing an immediate ceasefire, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and pursuing a peace agreement rooted in justice. The statement concluded with a call for a comprehensive solution based on international legitimacy, including an end to the occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The State of Qatar firmly rejects the inflammatory statements issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, which fall far short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility. Portraying the ongoing aggression against Gaza as a defense of “civilization”…
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) May 3, 2025
