Qatar Responds to The New Yorker Report: Based on Forged Documents

The International Media Office announced Qatar's firm rejection of the allegations made by "The New Yorker" magazine in a report published on September 19, affirming that they are based on forged and fabricated information and documents, and have no relation to the truth.

The office described the report as closer to a "blog lacking professionalism" than a report issued by a reputable media institution, as expressed. Furthermore, the office clarified in a statement that it provided "The New Yorker" magazine, prior to the publication of the report, with clear evidence proving the falsity of the documents known as "Blast," along with other documents relied upon by the report in making its claims.

In contrast, it expressed astonishment at the magazine's decision to proceed with publishing those allegations despite being informed of the evidence proving the invalidity of the documents relied upon by the report, considering that this raises questions about the editorial standards it relied upon, and contributes to promoting what it described as a systematic disinformation campaign targeting the State of Qatar.

The office pointed out that these documents are not new, as they have previously circulated and attempts were made to promote them through various media outlets, affirming that media institutions had refrained from publishing them after being informed of the evidence proving their fabrication.

In parallel, it mentioned that what was published by "The New Yorker" comes in the context of a broader disinformation campaign targeting the State of Qatar, pointing to what it described as strong evidence of the involvement of various parties, over several years, including elements from the far-right in Israel, in preparing fabricated documents and circulating them through the media, with the aim of implicating Qatar in baseless allegations.

The office confirmed the invalidity of claims that the State of Qatar provided funds to Hamas, explaining that Qatari aid was directed to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, through mechanisms coordinated with the Israeli authorities and international partners.

In the context of previous aid mechanisms, it clarified that financial assistance, along with food, medicine, fuel, and other basic needs, passed through Israel before entering the Gaza Strip, and did not enter without the participation of the Israeli authorities at various stages of the process.

In the same context, it pointed out that Qatari aid has continued for years under successive Israeli governments and with the participation of Israeli security agencies. Accordingly, the office stated that any funds that may have reached Hamas have no relation to the State of Qatar, holding Israel responsible for that as it is the supervising entity for the aid delivery process, including during the governments of Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, and Benjamin Netanyahu, and through various Israeli agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet.

Conversely, the office confirmed that the parties behind this campaign seek to continue promoting false claims against the State of Qatar in order to disrupt its role as a mediator supporting efforts to achieve peace in the region.

It added that the continuation of this campaign, according to the office, serves the interests of parties that do not want peace, considering that Qatar's role in mediation represents a threat to their interests.

The office called on media institutions to exercise accuracy and caution when dealing with information it described as misleading, emphasizing the responsibility of journalists and media institutions to adhere to strict standards of scrutiny, analysis, and verification, especially when addressing complex geopolitical issues.

It pointed out that the office is currently studying the legal options available regarding the publication of these allegations and information, in order to protect the rights of the State of Qatar and prevent misleading public opinion.