Qatar Denies Hamas Funding, Cites Israeli Approval for Aid

Qatar has vehemently denied accusations of funding Hamas, asserting that all humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip was channeled through mechanisms approved by Israel and the United Nations. Doha stated that Israeli politicians are exploiting these allegations for electoral gain, aiming to deflect from domestic failures and scapegoat Qatar. The Qatari Ministry of Communications issued a statement on Friday, September 18, categorically rejecting reports in Israeli media concerning the allocation and direction of Qatari aid to Gaza.

According to the statement, these accusations are being propagated by far-right Israeli figures and politicians. Qatar insists it has never transferred funds directly to Hamas, emphasizing that its aid has always been intended for the Palestinian population of Gaza and delivered via organized channels coordinated with Israeli authorities and international partners. The statement detailed that under previous aid mechanisms, all financial assistance and goods, including food, medicine, and fuel, passed through Israel before entering Gaza, with the UN facilitating delivery in full coordination with Israeli authorities.

Qatar further claimed that its aid to Gaza has historically received explicit support from Israeli leaders across various administrations and with the active involvement of Israeli security forces. The country reiterated its complete denial of any connection to Hamas financing, stating that any funds reaching the organization outside approved channels are unrelated to Qatar. The statement also criticized an ongoing, multi-year campaign against Doha involving pro-Israel media, lobbyists, and research groups, which intensifies as Israeli elections approach.

Qatar expressed its disinterest in interfering in Israeli domestic politics but warned it would no longer remain silent in the face of what it termed false accusations used for political purposes. The statement concluded by affirming Qatar's unwavering support for Palestinians and its commitment to mediation and diplomacy as the path to regional peace and security. This strong statement follows a series of Israeli media reports, including an investigation by Ronen Bergman in Yedioth Ahronoth, alleging that some Qatari funds transferred to Gaza may have reached Hamas, a policy previously known in Israel as "money suitcases."