Qatar's Prime Minister Calls Netanyahu Government Major Obstacle to Gaza Peace

Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is the primary obstacle to advancing a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza. In an interview with CNN, Al-Thani indicated that while mediators are making significant efforts, the actions of the Israeli government are complicating the process. He claimed Qatar has a "long list of violations" attributed to the Netanyahu government, asserting that Israel is currently creating the most serious impediments to the peace plan's progress.

Al-Thani also reiterated Qatar's denial of allegations that Doha has funded Hamas's military wing, refuting information from a recent report. He emphasized that Qatar has never provided such funding.

Separately, the Qatari Prime Minister addressed Qatar's mediation efforts between the U.S. and Iran. He called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international shipping route, stating that any party using waterways to blockade countries or restrict navigation is unacceptable. Al-Thani stressed Qatar's opposition to any blockade or pressure exerted through waterways, regardless of the actor.

He further noted that Qatar and Iran are neighbors with decades-long relations, and Doha must consider this geographical proximity and maintain working ties with Tehran.