Netanyahu rejects Turkish, Qatari involvement in post-war Gaza efforts: Report
Recent Hebrew media reports have highlighted Israeli fears that Qatari involvement in the process could bolster Hamas and strengthen its presence in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out any Turkish or Qatari involvement in Gaza’s postwar administration, calling such participation a “red line,” Hebrew newspaper Israel Hayom reported on 21 October.
The objection has alarmed officials in Washington, who fear it could derail the US-backed framework aimed at restoring stability in Gaza after Israel’s ongoing assault, the report says.
According to US sources cited by the newspaper, the proposed role of Turkiye and Qatar would be limited to humanitarian and civil functions – including aid delivery, reconstruction, and coordination with international bodies.
However, Netanyahu and other Israeli officials argue that the two nations’ participation could enable political influence inside Gaza, potentially empowering Hamas-linked actors and threatening what they describe as Israeli “security interests.”
“Jerusalem views any Turkish or Qatari presence as a direct threat to Israeli sovereignty and regional stability,” an Israeli source told Israel Hayom, adding that Netanyahu reaffirmed his opposition during recent high-level talks.
Qatar and Turkiye have long provided Hamas with political support, hosting the resistance movement’s offices in Doha and Istanbul.
While Ankara and Tel Aviv have enjoyed close economic ties – despite a Turkish trade ban – the government in Turkiye has been vocal about the genocide and Israel’s war crimes in Gaza. Turkish citizens have also been among those at the forefront of global, pro-Palestine protest movements.
Last week, Israel reportedly barred the entry of a Turkish team into Gaza on 16 October, after it arrived as part of an international effort to launch rubble-clearing operations in search of dead Israeli captives. Other conflicting reports said the Turkish team was allowed in.
Qatar, and more recently, Turkiye, have both been mediating between Hamas and Israel. Israel struck the Qatari capital last month, targeting Hamas officials during a meeting on ceasefire efforts.
The Israel Hayom report comes as Netanyahu has been embroiled in what is referred to as the “Qatargate” scandal in Israel.
Netanyahu’s close aides have been charged with engaging with a foreign agent, accepting bribes, fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and coordinating Qatari cash transfers to Hamas. The premier has been accused of trying to stifle investigations into the scandal, which he refers to as a “witch hunt.”
Since US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan went into effect, Israel has violated the agreement nearly 100 times – killing dozens of Palestinians.
Trump has threatened Hamas repeatedly in recent days, calling on the group to disarm or be disarmed by force.
Hamas has re-established itself in areas where the Israeli army withdrew, and has been cracking down on gangs and militias that were backed by Tel Aviv throughout the war.
Israeli news site Ynet reported earlier this month that Qatar has reasserted its influence in the ceasefire process, with Israeli officials now fearing that billions in reconstruction aid could once again strengthen Hamas.
Senior Israeli officers have also warned that while Hamas has lost its heavy weapons and factories, its ability to rebuild remains intact, according to the report. Officials are also pressing the US to differentiate between Qatar and Turkiye – which they view as Hamas allies – and Arab states.
Israel Hayom reported on 16 October that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain are frustrated with the Qatari, Turkish, and Egyptian mediators’ “leniency” on the issue of Hamas’s weapons.