Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, delivered sharp criticism against Israel after a strike in Doha targeted Hamas’ political leadership, saying that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “killed any hope” of releasing hostages still held in Gaza.
The comments, made ahead of his appearance at the United Nations Security Council, reflect widespread Gulf anger over Israel’s actions. The strike on Tuesday killed at least six people and has the potential to undermine ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
Qatar Accuses Israel of Undermining Ceasefire Talks
“I was meeting one of the hostage families the morning of the attack,” Sheikh Mohammed told CNN.
“They are counting on this mediation. They have no other hope for that. What Netanyahu has done has just killed any hope for those hostages.”
Qatar and Egypt have been key mediators in negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages. Doha has hosted Hamas’ political leaders for years, at the request of the United States, to facilitate talks.
Despite Sheikh Mohammed’s criticism, Netanyahu has defended the strike and warned Qatar:
“To Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists — you either expel them or bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will.”
Regional & Global Fallout
The strike — carried out on the territory of a U.S. ally — triggered international condemnation and raised fears of further escalation. It also came just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump had sought to reassure Gulf states that no more Israeli strikes would occur on their soil.
Hamas confirmed that its senior leadership survived, but acknowledged that five lower-ranking members were killed, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’ chief negotiator in Gaza.
The Gaza war, which began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel and abducted 251, has left over 64,600 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. At least 48 hostages remain in captivity, with around 20 believed to be alive.
