Qatar Abandons Gaza Mediation Over Israeli Bombing

Qatar suspended its efforts as a mediator for a ceasefire in Gaza due to continued Israeli airstrikes and threats against its sovereignty, a senior official announced on Tuesday.

Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, Prime Minister Advisor and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in a weekly press briefing that the procedure "does not appear realistic at the moment especially as the Israeli Prime Minister is seeking to undermine negotiators and bomb the mediating country.”

He had declared Qatar to be placing top priority on national security amid what it characterized as a "treacherous Israeli attack," underlining that "all other political considerations are secondary to the current situation."

Al Ansari pointed out regional backing, pointing out that the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit of Monday in Doha carried a strong message of solidarity. "The summit in Doha conveyed a clear message that any aggression against Qatar is unacceptable to the Arab and Islamic nations," he said, adding that the GCC had also laid out the measures to counter the attack.

The official also spoke about relations with Washington, announcing that negotiations on a new U.S.-Qatar defense agreement are underway after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Doha. "The defense relationship between Qatar and the United States has always been strong, especially in recent years, and continues to grow," he said.

Referring to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks, Al Ansari added, "We are used to the Israeli Prime Minister trying to justify his failures with reckless rhetoric. Targeting a country that is actively mediating is a clear indication that he disrespects international norms and peace efforts."

Al Ansari also emphasized U.S. President Donald Trump's unequivocal position on the attack against Qatar, quoting recent exchanges of messages between Trump and Qatar's Amir. He stated this reasserted Qatar's role as a strategic American ally.

Aside from regional rivalries, Al Ansari stated that Qatar continued to conduct humanitarian activities, such as sending 24 trucks of food and medicine to Syria in partnership with Jordan, and sending medical supplies to Afghanistan after a recent earthquake.