Report: Israel asked Qatar to increase funds transferred to Hamas in Gaza a month before Oct. 7
The request came after Hamas made threats of violent escalation. Qatar had informed Israel that Hamas was seeking to maintain stability during talks with Israeli officials
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The request came after Hamas made threats of violent escalation. Qatar had informed Israel that Hamas was seeking to maintain stability during talks with Israeli officials
Palestinians enter Israel on October 7, last year. Credit: Hani Alshaer/Anadolu Agency via Reuters Connect
Palestinians enter Israel on October 7, last year. Credit: Hani Alshaer/Anadolu Agency via Reuters Connect
11:48 AM • January 02 2026 IST
About a month before Hamas launched its October 7 attack, Israel requested that Qatar increase the amount of funds it transfers to Hamas in Gaza, following the group's threats of violent escalation, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported early on Friday.
The request, made in September, was conveyed to Qatar's envoy to Gaza, Mohammed al-Emadi, on behalf of the government by the former head of the Shin Bet security service's Southern District, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and other Israeli representatives. The meeting took place at Jerusalem hotel, according to the report.
The Qatari envoy to the Gaza Strip, Mohammed al-Emadi, speaking during a press conference in Gaza City, May 14, 2019. Credit: AFP
