The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, denounced this Wednesday as “provocative” the statements of his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, who before the United Nations said that “Hamas is Qatar”. Al Thani assured that these statements “undermine efforts” to free the hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist group.

The head of Qatari diplomacy expressed himself during a press conference he held in Doha together with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, who was visiting his country, in which he said he was “astonished” by these statements that were made just as Qatar strives “to secure the release of prisoners and de-escalate.”

“These provocative statements undermine efforts and cannot be understood except in the context of blackmail and political propaganda.”. “We hope that all parties will respect the efforts made by Qatar and its partners and help us make them successful,” he added.

The politician stressed that for his country, “the only way to a peaceful and immediate solution” to the crisis is to “keep all channels open with all parties,” since “rapid communication” is required to obtain results.

Furthermore, the Qatari prime minister reaffirmed his country's position “against the massive punishment against the Gaza Strip”, where “a flagrant violation of international laws” is taking place.

“We reiterate our total rejection of treating this crisis with double standards, you cannot condemn the murder of civilians here and justify it there. All parties involved in violating international law must be held accountable. If not, the logic of force will defeat the force of logic,” he said.

Eli Cohen accused Qatar of financing Hamas

In a statement to the United Nations Security Council, Eli Cohen said the international community should demand that Qatar step up its efforts to free the more than 200 people held captive in Gaza.

“Qatar, which finances and harbors Hamas leaders, could influence and allow the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages held by the terrorists,” Cohen emphasized.

The Arab country has hosted the political leadership of the Palestinian Islamist group for years and pays the salaries of Hamas officials in Gaza, in addition to frequently giving cash to poor families in the enclave.

However, this Wednesday the head of Israel's National Security, Tzachi Hanegbi, highlighted “Qatar's diplomatic efforts”, in possible allusion to its role in the release of hostages captured by Hamas.. “I am pleased to say that Qatar is becoming an essential part and player in promoting humanitarian solutions. Qatar's diplomatic efforts are crucial at this time,” Hanegbi wrote via Twitter.