Qatar Responds To Steny Hoyers Criticism Of Its Mediator Role In Gaza Cease-Fire Talks [Video]

The Embassy of Qatar in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday criticized Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) for saying the U.S. should “reevaluate its relationship” with the country if the Hamas militant group keeps resisting entering into a temporary cease-fire agreement with Israel, adding that “blaming and threatening the mediator is not constructive.”

Hoyer said Hamas is using Qatar, which hosts the group’s leadership and has previously helped mediate talks between the two sides along with the U.S. and Egypt, “to exact greater concessions from Israel.”

“Instead, Qatar needs to make it clear to Hamas that there will be repercussions if it continues to block progress toward releasing the hostages and establishing a temporary cease-fire,” Hoyer said in a statement Monday. “Consequences ought to include cutting off funding to Hamas or refusing to grant Hamas’ leaders refuge in Doha.”

He added: “If Qatar fails to apply this pressure, the United States must reevaluate its relationship with …