How did Qatar provide humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip?

Qatar has played a significant role in providing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip by leveraging its position as a regional mediator. Despite lacking formal diplomatic relations with Israel, Qatar secured agreements from both Israel and Egypt to facilitate the transfer of financial assistance to the territory, which has been under a blockade since Hamas took control in 2007.123

Beginning in late 2018, Qatar initiated a program to provide tens of millions of dollars in aid to Gaza. By 2021, the country had disbursed nearly $400 million to the territory. During the Israel-Hamas War that began in 2023, Qatar continued to serve as a key mediator, working to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, the arrangement of temporary cease-fires, and the release of hostages. These efforts reflect Qatar's broader foreign policy strategy of utilizing its financial resources and reputation for impartiality to influence regional stability and bolster its international standing.312