DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned Israel on Sunday as foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim nations convened to discuss a potential unified response to Israel's recent attack on Doha, which targeted the leadership of the militant group Hamas. Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as Qatar's foreign minister, made these remarks ahead of a meeting of leaders from various nations scheduled for Monday.
During his statements, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Qatar's commitment to collaborate with Egypt and the United States to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has severely impacted the Gaza Strip following Hamas' attack on Israel nearly two years ago. He described the Israeli airstrike that resulted in the deaths of six individuals—five Hamas members and a local Qatari security force member—as “an attack on the principle of mediation itself.”
He labeled the attack as “state terrorism," asserting that it reflects the approach of the current Israeli government, which he claims disregards international law. Sheikh Mohammed stated, “The reckless and treacherous Israeli aggression was committed while the state of Qatar was hosting official and public negotiations, with the knowledge of the Israeli side itself, and with the aim of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.”
The Prime Minister called for consequences regarding Israel's actions across the broader Middle East, urging the international community to end the consistent double standards and hold Israel accountable for its actions. These comments were part of closed-door discussions, with footage released by Qatar's government later.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit also criticized Israel during this time, cautioning that “silence in the face of a crime… paves the way for more crimes.” However, there was no immediate response from Israel, which was hosting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the weekend.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his defense of the strike, stating, “The Hamas terrorists chiefs living in Qatar don’t care about the people in Gaza. They blocked all ceasefire attempts in order to endlessly drag out the war. Getting rid of them would rid the main obstacle to releasing all our hostages and ending the war.”
Hamas official Bassem Naim expressed hope that the upcoming summit would yield a “unified and decisive Arab-Islamic stance” regarding the ongoing conflict.
Qatar, an energy-rich nation located on the Arabian Peninsula, has historically played the role of an intermediary in various conflicts. The country hosted Hamas' political leadership at the request of the U.S., facilitating communication channels between Israel and the militant group that has governed Gaza for many years.
However, growing criticism from hard-liners within Netanyahu’s government has emerged as the Israel-Hamas hostilities persist. Netanyahu has stated his commitment to strike at all individuals involved in orchestrating the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, declaring Qatar a potential target if Hamas leaders remain there.
Domestic pressure on Netanyahu is increasing, particularly concerning the remaining hostages held in Gaza. Currently, there are 48 hostages believed to be in Gaza, with Israel stating that 20 of them are believed to be alive. The ongoing Israeli offensives in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 64,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health officials, who have not specified how many of those were civilians versus combatants, but approximately half of the deceased have been identified as women and children.
The conflict in Gaza ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched an incursion into southern Israel, leading to around 1,200 fatalities, primarily among civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals.
