Qatar Rejects Netanyahu's 'Inflammatory' Gaza Remarks

Qatar, a key mediator in the ongoing negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza, issued a strong rebuke on Sunday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over recent remarks criticizing Doha's role in the talks. Netanyahu had accused Qatar of “playing both sides” in the mediation efforts, suggesting that the Gulf state was not acting impartially.

In response, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the country “firmly rejects the inflammatory statements,” calling them a distortion of its mediation role. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), al-Ansari added that Netanyahu’s comments “fall far short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility.”

Qatar has been working alongside Egypt and the United States to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas, seeking both a ceasefire and a potential hostage release. The Gulf nation emphasized its commitment to peace and stability in the region and warned that such rhetoric from Israeli leadership undermines the sensitive diplomatic efforts currently underway.

Tensions have remained high as negotiations continue, with both sides trading blame for delays in reaching an agreement. Qatar urged all parties to act with restraint and engage constructively to end the violence and humanitarian suffering in Gaza.