Qatar's PM Calls Netanyahu a 'War Criminal' in Piers Morgan Interview

Qatar's Prime Minister has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being a "war criminal" responsible for atrocities in Gaza, during an interview with Piers Morgan. He asserted that Netanyahu's criticisms of Qatar are an attempt at "gaslighting" the public and deflecting from Israel's actions. The Qatari leader also addressed accusations that his country funded Hamas and influenced protests in the United States, dismissing them as "completely absurd."

He detailed Qatar's mechanism for transferring funds to Gaza, stating that the approximately $30 million monthly sum was transferred at the direct request of the United States and in full coordination with Israel. According to him, $15 million went to purchasing fuel from Israel, $10 million was allocated as aid to 100,000 families whose lists were approved monthly by Israeli security forces, and $5 million went to public officials after Israel approved their lists. He claimed that Israel itself transferred the money to approved banks.

Furthermore, the Qatari Prime Minister revealed that Qatar offered Israel an immediate ceasefire on October 7th to secure the release of all civilian hostages, but claimed Israel was "not even interested in hearing the idea." He also discussed the significant economic impact the ongoing regional conflict has had on Qatar, including an estimated $24 billion loss in natural gas export revenue and an 80% drop in international tourism, describing the situation as an "earthquake" for their economy.

Regarding allegations of Qatar influencing US campuses, he clarified that 95% of the mentioned funds were invested in establishing campuses for American universities operating in Doha, serving students from 110 countries, and denied any academic or ideological involvement in the content. He expressed hope that Donald Trump would pursue quiet diplomacy and outlined his ideal post-war scenario as a new nuclear deal with Iran, the demilitarization of the Strait of Hormuz, and direct dialogue between Iran and Gulf states for regional stability.