Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

(JNS) — Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday accused Israel of the “systematic and deliberate” killing of Palestinian civilians. At the same time, he claimed to be working to restore the collapsed hostages-for-ceasefire deal between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza.

“It is shameful for the international community to allow this heinous crime to continue for nearly two months, during which the systematic and deliberate killing of innocent civilians continues, including women and children,” Qatar’s ruler told Gulf leaders gathered in Doha.

“We are constantly working to renew [the truce] and to alleviate the burden of our people in the Gaza Strip, but truces are not an alternative for a comprehensive ceasefire,” added Sheikh Tamim.

The Prime Minister’s Office and Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem did not immediately offer comment, with one official noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the media on Tuesday evening.

The IDF resumed combat operations in Gaza on Friday morning after Hamas broke a week-long truce brokered by Egypt and Qatar by firing rockets at the Jewish state.

Mossad officials negotiating the potential renewal of the ceasefire deal left Qatar the next day.

“Due to the impasse in negotiations and following instructions from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mossad chief David Barnea ordered his team in Doha to return to Israel,” according to a statement released by the premier’s office on behalf of the intelligence agency.

“The Hamas terror group did not fulfill its obligations under the agreement, including releasing all the women and children in accordance with a list provided to Hamas and approved by it,” the statement added.

Hamas terrorists killed at least 1,200 people during their Oct. 7 attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza border, including many women and children. Some 240 hostages of all ages were also captured and taken back to the Palestinian enclave.

According to the latest numbers, 137 remain in captivity. Of those, 20 are women and 117 are men. They include 126 Israelis and 11 foreigners.