False accusations made by the Shin Bet security agency linking Qatari aid to the October 7 attack are yet another example of deflection driven by self-interest and self-preservation in Israeli politics.

The State of Qatar is a strong supporter of the Palestinian people and has provided humanitarian support to families in Gaza over many years. Qatari aid has included essential supplies such as food and medicine, as well as the provision of electricity to power homes.

It is well known within Israel and internationally that all aid sent from Qatar to Gaza was transferred with the full knowledge, support, and supervision of the current and previous Israeli administrations and their security agencies – including the Shin Bet.

No aid has ever been delivered to Hamas’s political or military wing. For example, the mechanism for aid to families involved close coordination with the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), with funds transferred to the World Food Programme. Funds were subsequently transferred directly to beneficiaries through programmes approved by Israel.

In addition, Qatari-funded fuel was coordinated with the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and transferred through the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing, which is the only designated crossing in Israel for the entry of goods into Gaza.

At this critical juncture, the Shin Bet and other Israeli security agencies should focus on saving the remaining hostages and finding a solution that ensures long-term regional security, rather than resorting to diversionary tactics such as scapegoating Qatar for political longevity. Claims that Qatari aid went to Hamas are entirely false and serve as evidence that the accusers are intent on prolonging the war.

Despite these unwarranted attacks, Qatar will continue to mediate towards peace because of its belief in diplomacy as the only way forward to a better future for both Palestinians and Israelis.