Qatar slams ‘political blackmail’ as Israel hinders Gaza’s Rafah crossing

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 6, 2026 at 11:59 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Qatar is working with mediators to reopen the Rafah crossing into Gaza, which has remained largely closed since the ceasefire agreement went into effect on October 10, 2025. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that humanitarian aid should not be used as "political blackmail," referencing Israeli roadblocks hindering aid deliveries. These restrictions are viewed by humanitarian groups as a violation of the ceasefire. The closure of the Rafah crossing, Gaza's main connection to the outside world until May 2024, is a point of contention, with reports suggesting Israel may delay reopening it until the body of the last Israeli held in Gaza is recovered. There are concerns that the crossing's reopening could be used to displace Palestinians permanently out of Gaza.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kan 30% Donald Trump 40% Majed al-Ansari ×260% United States 60% Egypt ×360% Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs 70% Qatar ×280% Gaza ×790% Israel ×790% Rafah crossing ×690%

Keywords

rafah crossing 100% gaza 90% humanitarian aid 80% ceasefire 70% political blackmail 60% israeli restrictions 60% aid deliveries 50% qatar 50% ethnic cleansing 40%