Qatar has rejected Israel’s statement that it was “playing both sides” as “inflammatory”, calling out Tel Aviv for “crimes against civilians” in Gaza.

“The State of Qatar firmly rejects the inflammatory statements issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, which fall far short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility,” Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari posted on X, according to Reuters.

Al-Ansari criticised the portrayal of the Gaza conflict as a defence of civilisation, likening it to historical regimes that used “false narratives to justify crimes against civilians”.

In his post, Al-Ansari questioned whether the release of 138 hostages was achieved through military operations or mediation efforts, which he said are being unjustly criticised and undermined.

He also cited the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza represented by what he called a suffocating blockade, systematic starvation, denial of medicine and shelter, and the use of humanitarian aid as a tool of political coercion.