Qatar has accused Israel of obstructing efforts to advance a US-backed peace initiative for the Gaza Strip, saying recent military actions risk undermining attempts to secure a lasting ceasefire.
Speaking in Doha on Tuesday, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said the international community could clearly identify which side was preventing the implementation of the proposed agreement. He added that responsibility for the delay lay with Israel.
The remarks came after renewed uncertainty over a framework aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The proposal, backed by the United States and discussed by regional mediators, would involve Hamas relinquishing control of the territory and transferring authority to a civilian administration supported by an international peacekeeping mechanism.
In return, Israel would begin a phased withdrawal from Gaza, according to officials involved in the discussions.
The proposal initially appeared to gain momentum, but debate within Israel over the scope and timing of any military withdrawal has complicated the process. Following a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and officials connected to the initiative, a statement was issued stressing that a full withdrawal would occur only after the completion of the agreed disarmament measures.
Qatar, Egypt and Turkey issued a joint statement earlier this week condemning the intensification of Israeli air strikes in Gaza. Jordan and Kuwait later endorsed the statement, which called on the international community to pressure Israel to comply with international law and the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
The statement also urged all parties to protect diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire and easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Ansari said the latest escalation threatened to derail the peace initiative and block opportunities for a political solution.
Qatar has played a central mediating role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas since the start of the war, working alongside Egypt and the United States to broker ceasefires, prisoner exchanges and humanitarian arrangements.
Despite criticism from some Israeli officials over Doha’s ties to Palestinian factions, Qatar has repeatedly said its engagement is intended to support mediation efforts and help achieve a negotiated settlement.
