Qatar has refuted allegations from Israel’s Shin Bet that its financial aid strengthened Hamas prior to the October 7 attack. The Qatari government asserts that all aid was supervised by Israeli authorities and denied any connection to Hamas’s military activities. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life on both sides, raising calls for mediation and dialogue.
On Wednesday, Qatar formally dismissed allegations by Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, which claimed that financial assistance from Qatar contributed to Hamas’s military capabilities leading up to the unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023. Qatar’s International Media Office denounced these accusations as “false” and indicative of self-interest within Israeli politics.
According to Shin Bet’s internal probe released on Tuesday, the agency acknowledged its shortcomings in preventing the assault from Gaza, which ignited 15 months of warfare in the Palestinian territory. The report suggested that the influx of Qatari funds had served as a significant factor in bolstering Hamas’s strength, thereby enabling the attack.
Qatar’s official response highlighted that all financial assistance sent to Gaza was conducted under the oversight of both current and previous Israeli administrations, including Shin Bet. It emphasized that none of this aid was directed towards Hamas’s military or political operations.
Having hosted Hamas’s political office since 2012 with U.S. endorsement, Qatar has faced allegations of supporting the militant group, which it consistently refutes. The gas-rich state played a crucial role in negotiating a fragile truce in Gaza, involving mediation between Hamas, Israel, the United States, and Egypt.
As the initial phase of the truce came to an end recently, subsequent negotiations have stalled. Qatar urged Israeli security agencies to prioritize the rescue of hostages and seek solutions for enduring regional peace, challenging them to avoid diversionary tactics. The Qatari statement asserted that assertions linking its aid to Hamas were completely unfounded and indicated a desire from some parties to prolong the conflict.
The deadly assault by Hamas on October 7 claimed the lives of 1,218 individuals, most of whom were civilians. In response, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in at least 48,405 casualties, predominantly among civilians, according to data from both factions.
In summary, Qatar has firmly rejected Israeli claims that financial aid contributed to Hamas’s military strength prior to the October 7 attack. The Qatari government maintains that all aid was supervised by Israeli authorities and intended for humanitarian purposes. With recent developments in the ongoing conflict remaining fraught, Qatar’s role as a mediator is underscored, pressuring all parties to prioritize dialogue and the preservation of lives.
Original Source: 24newshd.tv
