Qatar has dismissed Israeli accusations linking its financial aid to Hamas’s military operations as false. The country’s response emphasizes that its aid is supervised by Israeli authorities. These allegations come after Shin Bet’s admission of failure to prevent the October 2023 attack. Qatar has historically played a key role in mediating peace efforts between Hamas and Israel, calling for more focus on resolution rather than accusations.
Qatar has categorically rejected accusations from Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, which suggested that Qatari financial support contributed to the enhancement of Hamas’s military capabilities prior to the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel. In a statement issued on March 5, 2025, the Qatari International Media Office denounced these allegations as fabricated and indicative of Israel’s attempts to divert attention from its own shortcomings in preventing the attack.
The internal investigation by Shin Bet, released on the preceding day, acknowledged the agency’s failure to thwart the unprecedented attack from Gaza, which has since escalated tensions in the region. The report further alleged that Qatari funds transferred to Gaza played a role in Hamas’s military expansion, purportedly facilitating the assault on Israel.
In response, Qatar emphasized that its aid delivery to Gaza has always been executed under the oversight of both present and past Israeli administrations, including the oversight of Shin Bet itself. The Gulf State underscored that none of its assistance has been funneled towards Hamas’s military or political factions, contradicting the claims made by the Israeli agency.
Qatar has been accused of supporting Hamas since it began hosting the group’s political office in 2012, yet it has consistently refuted these allegations. The nation has also been instrumental in mediating peace initiatives, including efforts to secure temporary ceasefires between Hamas and Israel, in conjunction with the United States and Egypt.
In its latest statement, Qatar urged Israeli security agencies to concentrate on the release of hostages and pursue sustainable solutions to the ongoing conflict instead of perpetuating what it termed diversionary maneuvers.
Qatar firmly denies Israeli assertions connecting its financial support to the strengthening of Hamas’s military prior to the October 2023 attack. The accusations are seen as attempts to divert attention from Israel’s failures in preventing the attack. Qatar maintains that its aid has only been directed towards humanitarian efforts, overseen by Israeli authorities. Furthermore, the country has been pivotal in peace mediation between Hamas and Israel, advocating for a focus on resolving the conflict over engaging in accusations.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
