Continuing from last week, Qatar’s mediation role was questioned at a press conference on the 27th.
The United States also defends the role of Hamas and reveals differences of opinion with Netanyahu on Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the 27th (local time) that Qatar should exert stronger influence to secure the release of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip, continuing the criticism and pressure he had recently placed on Qatar, Xinhua News Agency and other sources quoted Israeli media. Foreign media reported this day.
Netanyahu said at a press conference in Tel Aviv that Qatar “treats Hamas leaders, provides money to Hamas, and also has influence over Hamas.”
At the same time, he said, “Qatar can bring (the hostages) back.” So we have to let them exert the pressure they have. Qatar itself has assumed the role of the biggest mediator. “So please prove that and bring our hostages back,” he said.
Xinhua News Agency reported that it is true that Qatar has played the role of the most important mediator in indirect talks and negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Meanwhile, efforts have been focused on ending the fighting in the Gaza Strip and efforts have been made to secure the release of about 100 hostages still being held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas and other armed factions.
However, in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 TV last week, Netanyahu criticized Qatar’s mediation role, calling it “a lot of problems.” He also told the hostages’ families, “You will never hear me say thank you to Qatar.”
Qatar responded by saying it was “astonished” by the statements in question. On the 24th, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari posted on social media “But it is not a surprising statement,” he said, disparaging Netanyahu.
On the contrary, comments are coming out to the effect that Prime Minister Netanyahu is intentionally trying to sabotage mediation for his own political standing.
Meanwhile, the United States publicly defended Qatar after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s voice criticizing Qatar was released.
At a regular briefing on the 25th, Deputy State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel said, “Qatar is an essential and irreplaceable key partner not only with respect to the ongoing conflict, but also with respect to U.S. priorities in the (Middle East) region,” regarding the end of the war in the Gaza Strip. The differences of opinion that exist between the United States and Netanyahu are being confirmed once again.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.