Netanyahu's threats are reckless and jeopardize negotiations, warns Qatar

On Thursday, Qatar reacted sharply to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had described the activities of a Hamas office in Doha as unacceptable. The Qatari Foreign Ministry called his remarks “reckless” and “a threat to state sovereignty.”

On Wednesday, Netanyahu had called on Qatar to expel Hamas representatives or bring them to justice, otherwise “Israel would do so.” At the same time, he accused Doha of providing Hamas with refuge and financial support.

Qatar responded that the Hamas office had been set up at the request of the US and Israel as part of mediation efforts and that the talks had always been transparent and involved international delegations.
Tensions escalated after Israel carried out an airstrike in Qatar on Tuesday to kill Hamas political leaders, sparking sharp international condemnation. Doha warned that the attack could seriously jeopardize the ongoing peace talks, which are being mediated by Egypt.

“We will work with our partners to ensure that Netanyahu is held accountable and that his irresponsible actions come to an end,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry said.

(reuters, est)