Qatar’s Prime Minister Condemns Israeli Strike in Doha as State Terror Warns Mediation in Jeopardy

By Kamal Yalwa: DOHA, QATAR – September 11, 2025

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has launched a scathing rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following an unprecedented airstrike in Doha that targeted Hamas leaders, calling the operation “barbaric” and warning it may have shattered any remaining hope for a ceasefire or the release of hostages from Gaza.

Speaking exclusively to CNN’s Becky Anderson, Al-Thani accused Israel of undermining peace efforts by carrying out what he described as “state terror” in the heart of a sovereign nation engaged in ongoing mediation efforts.

“We were thinking that we are dealing with civilized people,” Al-Thani said. “The action that Netanyahu took – I cannot describe it, but it’s a barbaric action.”

The strike, which took place Tuesday in the Qatari capital, reportedly targeted senior Hamas figures, including the group’s chief negotiator, Khalil Al-Hayya. While Hamas initially reported five casualties among its members, Al-Hayya’s fate remains uncertain. “Until now… there is no official declaration,” Al-Thani said, when asked directly about his status.

The attack also resulted in the death of a 22-year-old Qatari security officer. Al-Thani confirmed that additional casualties may be possible as authorities continue to assess the damage and account for those missing.

Visibly enraged, Al-Thani reiterated the same message he delivered during a press conference shortly after the attack: “This is state terror. We are betrayed.”

Ceasefire Mediation at Risk

The airstrike came just hours before Hamas was expected to deliver a response to a new US-backed ceasefire proposal. Al-Thani, who had met with the family of a hostage earlier that morning, expressed grave concern that the timing of the attack may have killed any chance of securing the hostages’ release.

“I think what Netanyahu has done yesterday, he just killed any hope for those hostages,” he said.

Qatar has long served as a critical mediator between Israel, Hamas, and international stakeholders. However, the prime minister warned that his country is now re-evaluating its role.

“Netanyahu has undermined any chance of stability, any chance of peace,” Al-Thani said. “I’ve been rethinking, even about the entire process for the last few weeks — that Netanyahu was just wasting our time. He wasn’t serious about anything.”

He confirmed that Qatar is currently in “very detailed conversation” with the United States regarding its future involvement, adding that the government is “reassessing everything” tied to the mediation process.

US Reaction and Diplomatic Fallout

According to U.S. officials, President Donald Trump was informed of the strike shortly before it began — not by Israel, but by the Chairman of the Joint Staff, General Dan Caine. Trump subsequently directed White House envoy Steve Witkoff, who maintains close ties with Qatari officials, to brief Doha.

While the U.S. has stopped short of formally condemning the strike, a spokesperson for President Trump said the administration is “concerned” by the developments. Al-Thani said Qatar has received repeated expressions of support from Washington.

“I’m following up with all the US officials in order to see what kind of actions can be taken as we speak,” he said.

Earlier this week, the U.S. unveiled a new ceasefire framework, which President Trump claimed had Israel’s full agreement. Qatar had pressed Hamas to accept the terms during talks in Doha, and the group was expected to deliver a formal reply Tuesday night — just hours after the strike took place.

As regional tensions escalate, and the path to peace appears increasingly uncertain, Qatar’s leadership has signaled that any continuation of its mediation role will depend on reassurances that such violations of sovereignty will not be repeated.