Middle East crisis live: Qatar accuses Netanyahu of obstructing Gaza mediation effort after leaked recording

Israeli prime minister apparently called Gulf state ‘problematic’ in meeting with families of Israeli hostages

• Thousands trapped in Gaza hospitals as Israeli troops encircle Khan Younis
• Houthi missile attack forces cargo ships with US navy escort to turn around

Qatar has accused Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing mediation efforts in the Gaza war and prioritising his career after a leaked recording allegedly captured him calling the Gulf state “problematic”.

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, wrote on X:

We are appalled by the alleged remarks attributed to the Israeli Prime Minister in various media reports about Qatar’s mediation role. These remarks if validated, are irresponsible and destructive to the efforts to save innocent lives, but are not surprising ....

If the reported remarks are found to be true, the Israeli PM would only be obstructing and undermining the mediation process, for reasons that appear to serve his political career instead of prioritizing saving innocent lives, including Israeli hostages.

You haven’t seen me thank Qatar, have you noticed? I haven’t thanked Qatar. Why? Because Qatar, to me, is no different in essence from the UN, from the Red Cross and in a way it’s even more problematic. However, I’m willing to use any mediator now who can help me bring them [the hostages] home.