Mediator or backer? Qatar’s Gaza role under scrutiny

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, strongly criticized Israel on Tuesday, accusing it of repeated violations of the current ceasefire in Gaza, following a series of Israeli airstrikes that reportedly targeted Hamas infrastructure in the enclave.

“We reaffirm our condemnation of all Israeli violations and practices in Palestine, particularly the transformation of the Gaza Strip into an area unfit for human life, and the continued breaches of the ceasefire,” Sheikh Tamim said during his annual address to the Qatari Consultative Assembly (Shura Council) in Doha.

Qatar has positioned itself as a key mediator in ongoing truce negotiations between Hamas and Israel, leveraging its long-standing ties with the Palestinian group, whose political bureau operates out of Doha.

However, the Qatari leader’s remarks come as Israel and several international observers accuse Hamas of being the first to violate the ceasefire agreement brokered earlier this month. Israeli officials have pointed to recent rocket attacks and ambushes launched from Gaza as proof that the truce is being undermined primarily by Palestinian militants — many of whom are backed financially and logistically by Qatar.

Criticism of Doha's Role Mounts

Critics argue that Qatar’s support of Hamas — including decades of financial aid and its hosting of Hamas leaders — casts doubt on its neutrality as a broker.

“You cannot mediate peace while funding one of the parties engaged in war,” said a Western diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Qatar must choose whether it wants to be a bridge or a base.”

In Israel, public opinion has become increasingly hostile to Qatar’s involvement. A growing chorus of voices within the Israeli government is calling for international pressure on Doha to cease what they call “dual-role diplomacy.”

The fragile ceasefire agreement, brokered with the help of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, has been hanging by a thread since its implementation on October 10. While both sides accuse each other of breaches, civilian casualties continue to mount, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.

Despite his harsh rhetoric, Sheikh Tamim reiterated Qatar’s commitment to "regional de-escalation and peaceful solutions" — a stance that, according to analysts, appears increasingly complicated by the country’s close relationship with Hamas.

As the cycle of accusations and violence continues, the question remains whether Qatar can maintain its role as a credible mediator or whether its ties to Hamas will ultimately undermine its diplomatic ambitions.