Qatari PM Criticizes Actions in Gaza, Calls for Peace Mediation

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani stated that those responsible for the situation in Gaza are "war criminals" during an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan on September 29, 2026. Sheikh Mohammed condemned the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, as a "massacre" that should be condemned, but he also described the Israeli response as unjustified. He noted that hospitals and schools have been targeted, asserting that "nothing is justifying this." He mentioned that over 1,400 Gazans have been killed since the ceasefire was declared in October 2025, and criticized Israel for not fulfilling its commitments under the ceasefire agreement. Sheikh Mohammed claimed that Qatar's efforts to broker a ceasefire have been undermined by Israel since the beginning of the conflict. He also condemned an Israeli attack on Qatar in 2025 that targeted Hamas officials during negotiations, calling it an unprecedented violation of Qatar's sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy and stated that Qatar is providing advice to the US government and Iran to help reach a solution. Regarding the US-Israel conflict with Iran, he identified three key issues that need resolution: Tehran's right to peaceful nuclear power, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and reform of regional security arrangements involving the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Iran.