Qatar’s peacemaking ambitions face ultimate test in crucible of Israel-Hamas war

Doha positions itself as region's lead mediator but balancing relations with Hamas and the west has become diplomatically precarious

• Israel and Hamas at war - live updates

A two-sentence tweet by Israel's national security adviser has revealed the acute dilemma Israel and the west face in dealing with Qatar, the energy-rich state that has positioned itself as a mediator of conflicts around the world, from Khartoum to Kabul.

I'm pleased to say that Qatar is becoming an essential party and stakeholder in the facilitation of humanitarian solutions," Tzachi Hanegbi wrote. Qatar's diplomatic efforts are crucial at this time."