Doha: HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani affirmed that the State of Qatar will not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or security, stressing that the blatant Israeli attack targeting Hamas political bureau leaders during negotiations in Doha amounts to state terrorism. At a press conference tonight, he emphasized that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond to the Israeli assault and will act firmly against any reckless breach or aggression that threatens its security and regional stability, pledging that all necessary measures would be taken in response.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency revealed that a legal team has been formed, headed by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, to initiate all legal proceedings against what he described as a rogue act. Sheikh Mohammed explained that what the State of Qatar witnessed was an act of state terrorism carried out under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing it as part of a deliberate policy to destabilize regional security. He characterized it as a clear message to the region that Israel is acting as a rogue player engaged in ongoing political recklessness and systematic violations of sovereignty.
His Excellency noted that, under the direction of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatari security, civil defense, and other authorities immediately responded to the attack, which took place at 3:46 pm, containing the situation, documenting casualties, and taking steps to ensure public safety. He expressed his condolences to the family of Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al Humaidi Al Dosari of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), who was killed while carrying out his duties, as well as to the families of other victims. He wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The Prime Minister stressed that the Amir has made the safety of citizens and residents the highest priority, and therefore Qatar will begin a comprehensive review of policies and procedures to deter such actions and prevent their recurrence. His Excellency criticized Netanyahu for previously declaring intentions to reshape the Middle East, questioning whether this was also meant as a threat to reshape the Arabian Gulf.
His Excellency argued that such hostile behavior reflects only the barbarism of Netanyahu, adding that the latter was pushing the region toward irreparable instability, undermining international laws and frameworks. His Excellency pointed out that the attack not only violated international law but also ethical and humanitarian standards, particularly as Qatar was officially hosting negotiations with US involvement and Israeli awareness. He described it as an act of treachery, noting that such behavior reflects Netanyahu disregard for regional stability in pursuit of personal ambitions.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs added that the recent days saw the final parts of negotiations continue based on a request from the United States with the knowledge of the Israeli side who were sending their delegations to Doha. His Excellency described the attack as sabotage against all efforts to advance peace opportunities in the region. His Excellency questioned whether the international community needed further proof of who was obstructing peace and acting as the bully in the region, stressing that history would document the attack as a grave violation of international law and norms.
His Excellency called for it to be taken seriously as an assault on state sovereignty that requires decisive measures. HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani confirmed that the State of Qatar has engaged in intensive communications with allied and friendly states to coordinate actions in response, noting that further details of these measures would be announced in the coming days.