Annoyed By Israel's Actions, Qatar: Attacking Mediators Signs Of Lack Of Seriousness

JAKARTA - Qatar re-evaluated its war as a mediator in the Hamas-Israeli conflict in Gaza, Palestine, voicing 'frustration' regarding comments made by Israeli officials.

The Foreign Ministry in Doha said Israeli leaders had used "false information" to justify a verbal "attack" on Qatar's main role in long-term ceasefire negotiations that were still stalled.

"Qatar is undergoing a reassessment of his role as a mediator. This is related to many factors, including various comments from Israeli officials," ministry spokesman Dr. Majed Al Ansari told a weekly briefing.

"They all know the nature of Qatar's mediation, they lie about Qatar's role just to maintain their position. This cannot be justified," he added, saying Doha was "very frustrated" by statements from Israeli officials who knew about it.

Dr. Al Ansari said Qatar was committed to mediation efforts but was reassessing his role in the process.

"We need a serious commitment from all parties, attacking the mediator is a sign of a lack of seriousness," he said.

Mediation, he added, is "the only way" to end the war in Gaza, which is entering its 200th day on Tuesday.

His comments were in line with statements made the day before by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who said Doha remained hopeful even though negotiations were stalled.

"We will defend our efforts," he told Arab and European diplomats in Luxembourg.

"The Qatari state reaffirms its stance: that only diplomatic action can end this bloodshed," he added.

Last week, He said Doha was reevaluating his role in the negotiations following exploitation and abuse of Qatar' roles.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several members of the far-right cabinet routinely criticize Doha for his support for Hamas, whose attack on October 7 in southern Israel sparked war in Gaza.

Nir Barkat, Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry, described Qatar as a "barbared sheep" in an interview with Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, while speaking to US Jewish leaders in February, Netanyahu said Qatar "could pressure Hamas in ways other countries cannot", prompting Doha to condemn the "empty" claim.

Separately, Doha said there was no reason for Hamas to move his headquarters from Qatar, which has been their headquarters since 2012.

"During their presence in Doha, as we always say, useful and positive in these mediation efforts, they will remain here," explained Dr. Al Ansari.