Qatari PM calls Netanyahu 'war criminal', vows to continue mediation efforts

ISTANBUL: Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani branded Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal on Tuesday, affirming that Qatar would persist in its mediation efforts despite escalating regional tensions, according to Anadolu Ajansi (AA). When questioned by British journalist Piers Morgan about whether he deemed Netanyahu a war criminal, Sheikh Mohammed responded unequivocally: "Of course.

What's transpired in Gaza constitutes war crimes, and anyone accountable for these atrocities is a war criminal." He further denounced the targeting of hospitals and schools in Gaza, emphasizing that no justification could be found for such actions. Sheikh Mohammed also accused Netanyahu of politically vilifying Qatar to distract from his own government's misconduct.

In response to Israel's September 9, 2025 airstrike on Doha, which killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, Sheikh Mohammed denounced the attack as an unprecedented assault on a mediator. He asserted that Netanyahu had pushed the boundaries, as he had previously done. Despite the mounting tensions, Sheikh Mohammed pledged Qatar's commitment to diplomacy, stating that behind-the-scenes negotiations remain the most effective means of achieving progress.

He expressed Qatar's efforts to provide the best counsel to the US government and Iran. Regarding the broader regional conflict, Sheikh Mohammed identified three critical areas to alleviate the crisis: Iran's nuclear program and sanctions, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and regional security arrangements among Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council states.

He maintained that any regional security framework should be founded on dialogue, non-interference, non-aggression, and enhanced economic collaboration. Earlier on Tuesday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari reiterated Qatar's dedication to mediation and communication between the US and Iran, expressing concern over further military escalation and advocating for a peaceful resolution.