Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified his criticism of Hamas leaders in Qatar, accusing them of being the primary impediment to achieving a ceasefire and resolving the hostage crisis in Gaza. On X, Netanyahu singled out the Hamas politburo based in Doha, claiming they are deliberately extending the war and preventing the release of those held captive. He stated, “The Hamas terrorist chiefs living in Qatar don’t care about the people in Gaza. They blocked all ceasefire attempts in order to endlessly drag out the war. Getting rid of them would rid the main obstacle to releasing all our hostages and ending the war.”
Netanyahu’s remarks are part of ongoing tension concerning Qatar’s role as a host to senior Hamas officials, including Ismail Haniyeh. Israel accuses these individuals of directing the conflict from abroad. Previously, Netanyahu compared Israel’s potential actions against Hamas leaders in Qatar to the US response following the September 11 attacks, implying that Israel would act against them if Qatar failed to do so. He said, “Bring them to justice, because if you don’t, we will.”
Qatar has responded with strong condemnation, labeling Netanyahu’s comments as “reckless.” The Qatari government maintains its hosting of Hamas leaders is within the context of internationally supported mediation efforts, including the involvement of the US and Israel. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing the official and transparent nature of negotiations, supported by international delegations, and criticized Netanyahu’s assertions as an effort to justify actions widely condemned. Reports have also surfaced of an Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting a meeting of Hamas leadership, who were said to be discussing a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release.