Qatar Rejects Israeli PM's Remarks Amid Hostage Negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly criticized Qatar, a key mediator in hostage negotiations with Hamas, accusing it of supporting both sides in the Gaza conflict and urging it to choose between 'civilization' and 'Hamas barbarism.' Netanyahu characterized Israel's military campaign as a 'just war' and framed the conflict as a struggle between civilization and barbarism, calling out Qatar for its ambiguous stance and alleged double talk. Qatar responded by rejecting these remarks, labeling them as inflammatory and lacking political and moral responsibility, and defending its mediation efforts as essential to ending the fighting and securing the release of hostages. Qatari officials highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, accusing Israel of using humanitarian aid as a tool of political coercion and collective punishment. The diplomatic standoff underscores the broader tensions between Israel and Qatar over the conduct of the war and the framing of each side's actions. The situation remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring for further responses or shifts in position.