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Rabat – Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, has raised serious doubts about the feasibility of continuing mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a key leader of the Palestinian movement, in an Israeli strike in Tehran.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed expressed grave concerns over Israel’s actions. “Political assassinations and the ongoing targeting of civilians in Gaza make us question how mediation can succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator of the other party. Peace requires serious partners.”
Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, has been actively involved in negotiations to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Gulf state has played a pivotal role due to its position as a key interlocutor for Hamas. The recent assassination of Haniyeh, who was based in Qatar, has cast a shadow over these efforts.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the killing, describing it as “a heinous crime” and “a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian law.”
The ministry’s statement emphasized that Israel’s actions, which continue to target civilians in Gaza, are likely to provoke further chaos in the region and undermine peace efforts.
“Israel’s reckless behavior and the assassination of a key negotiator make the continuation of mediation efforts seem futile,” the statement read. It reiterated Qatar’s firm stance against violence, terrorism, and political assassinations, regardless of their motivations.
Qatar has been hosting Hamas’ political bureau since 2012, following the closure of the movement’s office in Damascus. The assassination of Haniyeh occurred while he was in Tehran for the inauguration ceremony of President Massoud Pezeshkian.
Iranian media reported that the strike targeted residences for war veterans in northern Tehran, where Haniyeh was staying.
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains dire. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that the death toll from the ongoing Israeli merciless war has risen to 39,445, with 91,073 injured since October 7.
In the last 24 hours alone, 45 people have died and 77 have been injured due to continued attacks on the Strip. Many victims remain trapped under rubble, with emergency services struggling to reach them.
