Full Breakdown
Blinken Denies Alleged Qatar Statement on Hamas-Israel Deal
9/10/2026, 2:43:49 AM
Core Event
Former U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken posted on X on Wednesday to reject a claim that he told Qatar to “wait” on brokering a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. The allegation originated from a Haaretz article that said Blinken responded to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s offer to mediate a quick hostage-release deal with the remark, “Let’s wait,” and promised a personal conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Background & Context
Haaretz reported that United Arab Emirates President Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan warned Netanyahu that Hamas was planning a major operation days before the October 7 massacre. According to the report, Blinken replied, “Right now, the situation is complex,” and indicated he would travel to Israel within three days. The UAE had also cautioned senior U.S. and Israeli officials that Israeli actions and rhetoric were “putting regional stability at risk” in the period leading up to October 7.
Official Statements & Responses
- Antony Blinken – Denied the alleged “wait” comment, labeling the report “complete fiction.”
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Refuted the Haaretz claim that the UAE warned him of a Hamas attack and announced plans to sue the newspaper.
- U.S. Administration – Two sources familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post that the Biden administration had no knowledge of any specific UAE warning about an imminent Hamas operation before October 7.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Right now, the situation is complex,” — Antony Blinken — Antony Blinken
