Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, has publicly accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of war crimes linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a recent interview, the Qatari leader stated that the actions committed in Gaza constitute war crimes and attributed responsibility to Netanyahu, following the Israeli leader’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly where he criticized Qatar’s financial support to American universities.
Sheikh Mohammed rejected Israel’s allegations that Qatar is seeking to influence U.S. politics through its university funding, describing such claims as an attempt to “gaslight the public.” He clarified that approximately 95% of Qatar’s expenditures on American universities are directed toward supporting university campuses located within Qatar itself. He challenged Israel’s accusations by pointing to Israeli campaigns targeting New York city officials, social media influencers, and student groups, suggesting these were part of a broader effort to undermine Qatar’s diplomatic role.
Addressing Qatar’s involvement in Gaza, the Prime Minister emphasized that humanitarian aid is coordinated through mechanisms involving the United States, the United Nations, and Israel. He outlined Qatar’s monthly assistance program, which totals roughly $30 million and is distributed as fuel purchases from Israel to power Gaza’s generators ($15 million), direct cash support to about 100,000 families ($10 million), and salaries for civil servants ($5 million). Sheikh Mohammed dismissed claims that Qatari aid funds Hamas’s military activities, noting that recipient lists are vetted and payments are closely monitored by security agencies from the coordinating parties.
On the topic of regional tensions with Iran, the Qatari Prime Minister said the country received only short notice—between minutes to half an hour—before the onset of a recent military campaign involving Iran. Qatar’s leadership has pursued diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing escalation between Washington and Tehran, warning that conflict would have wide-reaching implications beyond the Middle East, including impacts on the global economy. Sheikh Mohammed described the U.S.-Qatar relationship as a critical strategic partnership essential to Qatar’s security and economic interests.
Condemning Israel’s earlier strike in Qatar as “unacceptable,” the Prime Minister said Netanyahu had crossed a line during ongoing diplomatic efforts linked to a proposal from former U.S. President Donald Trump. He also denounced Iran’s retaliatory attack on Qatar, stressing that Doha sought to avert war in the region.
Looking toward a resolution, Sheikh Mohammed identified three key components Qatar believes should form the basis of an agreement: achieving a nuclear settlement that satisfies both Washington and the International Atomic Energy Agency while permitting peaceful nuclear development for Iran; restoring the Strait of Hormuz to conditions consistent with international law and pre-conflict agreements; and establishing new security arrangements between Iran and Gulf states based on principles of non-interference and non-aggression.
The Prime Minister expressed cautious optimism about diplomatic progress, highlighting Trump’s personal willingness to engage sincerely in peace efforts when real openings arise. He reiterated hope that Qatar’s current efforts would prove timely and beneficial for the United States, the region, and the wider world.