Qatar blames Hamas for ceasefire violation

Qatari PM says Hamas appears open to relinquishing control of Gaza, suggesting that “a major shift” in its role may be underway.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani suggested this week that Hamas or “a Palestinian faction” may have been responsible for the latest violation of the fragile ceasefire with Israel, while urging all sides to avoid steps that could unravel the agreement.

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Al Thani said recent clashes in Gaza appeared to have been triggered by a Palestinian faction that some in Hamas have claimed was “out of communication” with the organization.

Others, he noted, denied any connection to Hamas. “At this point, it doesn’t matter who acted,” he said. “What matters is ensuring this does not bring down the entire agreement.”

Al Thani emphasized that Qatar, along with the United States, Egypt, and Turkey, is focused on preventing a return to large-scale fighting. He said his government continues to serve as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, both of which communicate only through intermediaries.

The Qatari prime minister also condemned Israel’s strike in Doha last month that killed a Qatari citizen during ongoing negotiations, calling it “a betrayal of mediation.” The attack, he said, took place while other peace talks were being held nearby and deeply unsettled regional leaders.

“No one ever imagined such an act could happen in the midst of mediation,” he remarked, adding that it led Gulf states to reconsider their security arrangements.

He said President Donald Trump assured Qatar the incident would not be repeated and promised that measures would be implemented to prevent further breaches.

Al Thani called the strike “a serious breach of trust,” saying Qatar had never expected such an event from a U.S. ally.

Despite longstanding political tension with Israel, Al Thani said Qatar has consistently engaged fairly with both sides and has pressed Hamas to recognize the necessity of disarmament.

He added that the group now appears open to relinquishing control of Gaza, suggesting that “a major shift” in its role may be underway.