Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has sharply condemned the Israeli attack in Doha, describing it as a “barbaric action” that amounts to state terror. In an exclusive CNN interview, Al-Thani said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “killed any hope” for hostages still held in Gaza.
Qatar PM: ‘This is state terror’
The Qatari leader revealed that just hours before the attack, he had met with the family of an Israeli hostage and delivered a personal message from their loved one. He said Israel’s actions shattered trust and derailed fragile ceasefire talks.
“What Netanyahu has done yesterday, he just killed any hope for those hostages,” Al-Thani said.
“We are betrayed. This is state terror.”
Al-Thani confirmed a 22-year-old Qatari security officer was killed in the strike, and authorities are still investigating possible missing persons.
Uncertainty Over Hamas Leaders in Doha
Israel claimed it targeted Hamas leaders, including negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya, but Qatar has not confirmed their fate. Hamas initially reported five members killed, though the delegation survived.
Al-Thani stressed that Netanyahu’s action undermined any chance of stability:
“He wasn’t serious about anything. He wasted our time.”
Qatar ‘Reassessing’ Its Mediation Role
Qatar, which has served as a mediator in ceasefire talks and hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, is now reassessing its mediation efforts.
The Prime Minister revealed ongoing consultations with Washington on how to proceed:
“We are in very detailed conversation with the United States on what actions can be taken.”
Regional Response Expected
Al-Thani also announced that an Arab-Islamic summit will be held in Doha in the coming days to decide on a collective regional response to Israel’s unprecedented strike.
“We are hoping for something meaningful that deters Israel from continuing this bullying,” he added.
US Reaction
While former President Donald Trump stopped short of condemning the attack, US officials expressed concern and assured Qatar of American support. Washington had only learned of the strike minutes before it began — and not from Israel, but from US military leadership.
What’s Next
The Israeli strike in Doha has placed Qatar-Israel relations under severe strain, jeopardized delicate hostage negotiations, and heightened tensions across the Middle East.
As Al-Thani warned, both Israel and Hamas may soon “run out of chances” to secure a ceasefire.
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