Qatari Prime Minister Condemns Israeli Strike as ‘Barbaric’ and ‘State Terror’
In a striking revelation during an exclusive interview with CNN, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani condemned the recent Israeli strike on Doha as “barbaric” and “state terror.” The attack, which targeted Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, has sent shockwaves through the region and raised urgent questions about the future of peace negotiations.
Al-Thani expressed deep frustration with Israel’s actions, stating that the strike had “killed any hope” for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. He recounted meeting with the family of one of the hostages just hours before the attack, emphasizing their reliance on ongoing mediation efforts for a potential ceasefire. “They have no other hope for that,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation.
The prime minister described the attack as a betrayal by what he considered to be civilized nations. “We were thinking that we are dealing with civilized people,” he told CNN’s Becky Anderson. “That’s the way we are dealing with others. And the action that (Netanyahu) took – I cannot describe it, but it’s a barbaric action.”
Impact on Regional Stability
The attack in Doha has not only affected the immediate victims but also strained diplomatic relations between Qatar and Israel. Al-Thani noted that the strike undermined any chance of stability or peace in the region. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for wasting time on talks that he deemed “meaningless.”
Qatar is currently reassessing its role in future ceasefire discussions. The prime minister mentioned that they are in detailed conversations with the United States government regarding how to proceed. This comes as the U.S. has been involved in mediating the conflict, with President Donald Trump recently proposing a new ceasefire framework.
Al-Thani emphasized that the U.S. has shown support for Qatar on multiple occasions. However, the prime minister stressed the need for a collective regional response to Israel’s actions. “There is a response that will happen from the region,” he stated, adding that an Arab-Islamic summit will be held in Doha to discuss further actions.
Uncertainty Surrounding Hamas Leadership
The fate of Hamas’ chief negotiator, Khalil Al-Hayya, remains unclear following the attack. Al-Thani did not provide an official update on his whereabouts, stating that there was “no official declaration” at the time. The attack resulted in the death of a 22-year-old Qatari security officer, with Al-Thani expressing concern for other Qataris who may be in danger.
Hamas initially claimed five members were killed in the strike, but the group failed to assassinate the negotiating delegation. This has led to speculation about the effectiveness of the operation and its impact on future negotiations.
International Reactions and Future Prospects
While U.S. President Donald Trump stopped short of condemning the attack, his spokesperson indicated concern. Al-Thani mentioned that the U.S. has consistently supported Qatar, and he is following up with officials to determine potential actions.
The prime minister also highlighted the importance of a positive response from Hamas to the U.S.-proposed ceasefire framework. He mentioned that Hamas was set to respond to the proposal before the attack occurred, underscoring the fragile state of current negotiations.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely. The Qatari leader’s comments reflect a growing sentiment of frustration and urgency among regional actors, who are seeking a resolution that prioritizes peace and stability over continued conflict.
