Qatari PM Slams Gaza Atrocities and Accuses Israel of Undermining Ceasefire Efforts

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani stated that anyone responsible for the ongoing situation in Gaza is a “war criminal,” during an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

Speaking on “Piers Morgan Uncensored” on Tuesday, Sheikh Mohammed addressed Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip. He acknowledged that the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel was “a massacre, and should be condemned” and that “whoever was responsible should be held accountable,” but maintained that the Israeli response lacked justification.

“Hospitals have been targeted, schools have been targeted. Whatever the justifications and the arguments, nothing is justifying this,” he stated. He also highlighted the state of the October 2025 ceasefire in Gaza, noting that “more than 1,400 Gazans have been killed” since the agreement ostensibly took effect.

“There is more occupied territory – almost 70 percent of the Strip has been occupied and not allowed by the Israeli forces. They are not fulfilling their commitments of this agreement,” he said, adding that this indicates “different intentions.” Furthermore, Sheikh Mohammed asserted that Israel had repeatedly “undermined” Qatar’s mediation efforts “from day one of the war.”

The prime minister also condemned Israel’s 2025 attack on Qatar, where an unprecedented strike in Doha targeted senior Hamas officials involved in negotiations, resulting in a deadly explosion that breached Qatari sovereignty.

“We were attacked by Israel while we were mediating and trying to push for Trump’s proposal at that time in Doha. It was unacceptable and condemned. It’s setting a precedent of attacking the mediator that has never happened throughout the wars in history,” he remarked. “Netanyahu has crossed the line like he has crossed other lines before that.”

While acknowledging the challenges of acting as a mediator, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that behind-the-doors diplomacy remains the most effective path forward. He noted ongoing efforts to advise both the US government and the Iranians on reaching a solution.

Addressing the US-Israel war on Iran, Sheikh Mohammed outlined three essential conditions to resolve the conflict: an agreement recognizing Tehran’s right to “peaceful nuclear power” along with the removal of sanctions, an agreement ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz per international law, and a reform of regional security arrangements involving the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Iran.

He emphasized that regional security requires dialogue between Iran and the GCC, establishing principles of good neighborly relations, non-interference, non-aggression, and collaboration in energy, economy, trade, and business to allow the region to fulfill its potential.