Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Sunday that a lack of cooperation from Qatar hindered the completion of a hostage deal with Hamas. Speaking during a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Netanyahu asserted a potential agreement to free almost half the hostages was close but did not materialize.
"We are asking others to put pressure not only on Hamas but also on Qatar, which has decisive influence over Hamas — an influence that is not always exercised but could be," Netanyahu said in comments provided by his Prime Minister's Office (PMO). He specifically cited Qatari cooperation as essential to bringing the deal to fruition.
The statements follow reports last week that Israeli officials accused Qatar, a key mediator, of trying to undermine negotiations. An Arab official reportedly told one outlet the claim was manufactured.
Separately, the PMO denied a report claiming it had blocked a Knesset initiative to legally designate Qatar as a "terror-supporting state." The proposed bill, put forth by several Knesset members, sought to prohibit diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar, potentially excluding the hostage issue.
The preamble to the draft legislation described Qatar as the "world’s largest sponsor" of terror groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, and the Taliban. While the PMO denied foiling the bill, it confirmed the legislation is being "seriously considered," with the possibility of exempting hostage negotiations. The National Security Council supported the bill, according to a statement contradicting earlier reports citing their opposition based on security establishment concerns.
Qatar has rejected Israeli criticism. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated Saturday that the PMO's remarks were "inflammatory" and fell short of political and moral responsibility. He questioned whether past hostage releases were achieved through military action or mediation efforts, which he claimed are being unjustly undermined.
The diplomatic dispute occurs amid failed ceasefire talks. Neither side has conceded on core demands. Israel insists Hamas disarm and be excluded from future governance in Gaza, a condition Hamas rejects. Hamas demands a lasting end to fighting and withdrawal of Israeli forces as conditions for a deal. Israel's security cabinet recently approved plans for an expanded operation in the Gaza Strip.
Adding tension is the ongoing "Qatargate" affair in Israel, where two of Netanyahu's close aides, Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein, face allegations involving payments from Qatar to promote its image and reportedly discredit Egypt's mediation efforts.(Source) Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing.
Qatar has served as a key mediator in talks following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and resulted in 251 hostages. Qatar hosts Hamas's political leadership and, with prior Israeli consent, sent billions of dollars to Gaza before the attack.
Qatar maintains its mediation efforts aim for regional stability and humanitarian aid. Al-Ansari criticized the depiction of the conflict as a defense of civilization, likening it to historical regimes using "false narratives to justify crimes against civilians."
