Qatar issues statement dismissing alleged 'Qatargate' role

Qatar on Thursday dismissed the claims, made by by Israeli investigators, that the Gulf state invested considerable financial resources in boosting its sketchy reputation, while embarking on a propaganda campaign to besmirch that of Egypt, a fellow mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. The extraordinarily convoluted scandal has sent shockwaves through Israel, already embroiled in a multi-front war of survival.  

"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," the statement read. 

"The State of Qatar affirms that these allegations are baseless and serve only the agendas of those who seek to sabotage the mediation efforts and undermine relations between nations. They also represent a new development in the ongoing misinformation campaign that is attempting to divert attention away from the humanitarian suffering and perpetuate the politicisation of the war," it went on. 

"The State of 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.

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.

The State of Qatar reiterates that mediation efforts must remain free of politicisation and distortion, and that the priority remains alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, protecting civilians, and achieving a just and sustainable settlement based on the two-state solution."