Qatar has dismissed Israeli reservations over its role in the so-called Gaza “Peace Council,” reaffirming its commitment to advancing a ceasefire and humanitarian efforts in the besieged enclave.
Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Doha was dismayed by reports in Israeli media indicating that Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had objected to Qatar’s involvement in the proposed body overseeing Gaza.
A weekly media briefing held in Doha has outlined a broad picture of #Qatar’s #foreignpolicy engagement, placing #Gaza, #Iran, the Horn of Africa, and international relations on a single diplomatic table, within an approach that prioritizes peaceful solutions and sustained… pic.twitter.com/IQw70Of2hU
— Qatar Tribune (@Qatar_Tribune) January 20, 2026
Speaking at a press conference in Doha, Al Ansari stressed that “the Israeli position will not deter Qatar from fulfilling its role,” underscoring that Doha remains “fully committed to ensuring the success of the plan to halt the war in Gaza” and will continue consultations with the United States to that end.
He added that Israel must fully implement its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, urging the international community to pressure Israel to allow the entry of the Palestinian technocratic committee into Gaza.
Al Ansari reiterated Qatar’s commitment to supporting Palestinians in Gaza, accusing Israel of making daily life more difficult by obstructing humanitarian aid efforts.
Israeli Objections
Earlier, the Israeli Haaretz newspaper reported, citing sources, that Israel is refusing to allow members of the Palestinian technocratic committee to enter Gaza and is declining to reopen the Rafah crossing, despite US demands to do so as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The paper quoted a senior Israeli official as saying that the inclusion of representatives from Turkey and Qatar in Gaza’s executive council was not part of the original understandings between Israel and the United States, adding that the council’s mandate and authority remain unclear.
Separately, the Israeli Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu held a phone call on Saturday with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which he voiced objections to the inclusion of Qatar and Turkey in the advisory council tasked with overseeing Gaza’s interim administration.
According to the channel, Rubio told Netanyahu that the decision to involve Qatar and Turkey was final and would not be reversed.
Netanyahu Considers Israeli Veto
The Israeli Maariv newspaper also reported that PM Netanyahu remains opposed to the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar in the administrative structure of the so-called Peace Council.
Citing informed Israeli sources, the paper said Israeli officials believe a formal diplomatic protest to Washington would be insufficient and are considering escalating the matter, including insisting on an Israeli veto over Ankara’s and Doha’s participation.
Political sources said Netanyahu views their inclusion as a red line, as the council is expected under the US plan to play a role in shaping Gaza’s post-war civil administration. He fears the framework could allow Hamas to regain strength or receive indirect regional backing.
The report noted that Netanyahu faces growing pressure from Washington, which expects “Israel” to align with a broader “day-after” strategy for Gaza. That pressure is said to be driven by figures close to US President Donald Trump, including Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, who are pushing to implement the plan in full.
According to the paper, Netanyahu is weighing strict security concerns against the risk of a direct confrontation with the United States. Israeli sources said the coming weeks will determine whether the Israeli enemy escalates its objections into a clear political showdown.
Source: Al-Manar Website