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

In Istanbul, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "war criminal" on Tuesday, asserting that Doha would persist in its mediation efforts despite rising regional tensions. In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, Sheikh Mohammed stated unequivocally: "Of course.

What’s been committed in Gaza is war crimes, and whoever is responsible for this is a war criminal." He further condemned Israel's September 9, 2025 strike on Doha, which targeted Hamas officials during a mediation operation, killing five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. Sheikh Mohammed accused Netanyahu of launching political attacks against Qatar to divert attention from his own actions.

Despite the heightened tensions, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy, emphasizing that behind-the-scenes engagement remained the most effective means of progress. Qatar aims to advise the US government and Iran on conflict resolution, focusing on three key issues: Iran's nuclear program, sanctions, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and regional security arrangements.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that any regional security framework should be based on dialogue, non-interference, non-aggression, and increased economic cooperation.