Ankara: Qatar condemned and rejected allegations Thursday that it made 'financial payments' to undermine efforts by Egypt and mediators in talks between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. 'The State of Qatar strongly condemns the statements published by some journalists and media outlets alleging that Qatar has made financial payments to undermine the efforts of Egypt or any of the mediators involved in the ongoing negotiations between Hamas and Israel,' Qatar's International Media Office said in a statement.
According to Anadolu Agency, the charges represent a new development in the misinformation campaign that is attempting to divert attention from the humanitarian suffering and perpetuate the politicization of the war. Qatar 'remains committed to its humanitarian and diplomatic role as a mediator between the relevant parties to end this devastating war and is working closely with Egypt in our efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and protect civilian lives,' it stressed. The State of Qatar commends Egypt's pivotal role in this critical matter, as both sides engage in daily cooperation and coordination to ensure the success of joint mediation efforts aimed at achieving regional stability.
Israeli media reported accusations that advisors in the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received funds from Qatar in exchange for disseminating information that undermines Egypt's role in mediating between Hamas and Israel, while praising Qatar's efforts. An Israeli court extended the detention of two aides of Netanyahu for another day Thursday on suspicions they received money from Qatar to allegedly promote its image as a mediator in Israeli media.
Israeli public broadcaster KAN said the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court agreed to extend the arrest of Jonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein by an additional 24 hours, rejecting a police request to extend it by seven days. KAN said investigations exposed discrepancies in the testimonies of the suspects in the case, dubbed by the Israeli media as 'Qatargate.' The broadcaster said one of the two aides lied during interrogation, without identifying the aide. On Wednesday, Netanyahu denounced the investigations against his aides as ridiculous.
The Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein was released from house arrest Thursday after he was questioned about ties to the case with the two aides.