Qatar rejects Shin Bet’s accusations linking its aid to Hamas’s military buildup prior to the October 7, 2023 attack. Qatar insists all aid is supervised by Israeli entities and calls for focus on hostages and lasting peace rather than diversions.
Qatar has firmly rejected accusations from Israel’s Shin Bet, which linked Qatari financial support to the enhancement of Hamas’s military capabilities ahead of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. In a statement dated March 5, 2025, Qatar’s International Media Office asserted that these allegations are unfounded and serve merely to distract from Israel’s inability to prevent the attack.
The report from Shin Bet acknowledged the agency’s failure to provide adequate warning regarding the assault from Gaza, which has since escalated into ongoing regional conflict. Furthermore, it suggested that Qatari funds contributed to the military expansion of Hamas, allegedly facilitating the attack. In response, Qatar emphasized that its aid to Gaza has always been conducted transparently, with the oversight of both current and past Israeli administrations and their security agencies, including Shin Bet.
Qatar denied any claims that its assistance has been directed towards Hamas’s military or political operations. Throughout its hosting of Hamas’s political office since 2012, Qatar has consistently rebuffed allegations of supporting the group. In addition, the nation has played an essential role in mediating peace initiatives, notably in establishing temporary ceasefires between Hamas and Israel, in coordination with the United States and Egypt.
In light of these developments, Qatar urged Israeli authorities to redirect their efforts towards securing the release of hostages and to seek a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict, rather than resorting to what Qatar described as diversionary tactics.
In summary, Qatar has categorically denied accusations from Israel’s Shin Bet linking its financial support to Hamas’s military actions. The Gulf nation emphasizes that its aid is properly supervised and denies any misuse by Hamas. Qatar continues to advocate for peace and urges Israeli security to focus on critical issues such as hostage release and a long-term resolution to the conflict.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
