Israeli Campaign Against Qatar Uncovered, Then Abruptly Halted

A recent investigation has revealed a clandestine operation orchestrated by a group of Israeli advisors aimed at pressuring Qatar in the wake of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The initiative, which was short-lived, sought to influence international perceptions of Qatar's relationship with Hamas, seeking to leverage global opinion to secure the release of hostages taken by the militant group.

Campaign Details and Objectives

According to the report from Haaretz, the campaign began just days after the attacks and involved around 30 individuals, including specialists in psychological warfare. They established a WhatsApp group named 'Free the Kidnapped' to coordinate their efforts. The participants believed that mounting global pressure could compel Qatar to use its influence over Hamas to facilitate the release of the 251 captives taken to Gaza.

Suspicion and Criticism

Despite being labeled a 'civilian initiative,' experts like Marc Owen Jones from Northwestern University in Qatar suggest that the campaign likely had the backing of Israeli interests. Jones noted a pattern of anti-Qatar sentiment that had been evident over the last three years, which he believes indicates a strategic motivation from Israel.

The Abrupt End and Broader Implications

Just a month into its launch, the operation was unexpectedly terminated. One participant remarked, "After a while, it was shut down. We stopped dealing with the Qatar campaign." This sudden halt raises questions about the future of Israeli-Qatari relations, especially given Qatar's role as a mediator in the ongoing conflict. The operation’s existence underscores the contradictory nature of Israel's stance on Qatar—while publicly criticizing it, Israel has simultaneously relied on Doha's diplomatic channels to engage with Hamas.

Source: www.aljazeera.com