Qatar's PM Accuses Netanyahu of 'Gaslighting,' Claims Israel Approved Hamas Funding

Qatar's Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, launched a sharp critique against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling him a "war criminal" and accusing Israel of committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza. Responding to Netanyahu's UN speech, which accused Qatar of funding universities and media outlets, Al Thani asserted that Netanyahu was "gaslighting" the public and projecting his own actions onto Qatar to influence the U.S. administration. Al Thani stated that while the October 7th attacks were a "massacre that must be condemned," Israel's response has been disproportionate, with "70,000 people killed, including children," and attacks on schools and hospitals, which he deemed unjustifiable. He further claimed that Israel undermines efforts for long-term understandings, citing the killing of 1,400 people since the ceasefire and the occupation of 70% of the Gaza Strip.

Regarding the funds transferred to Hamas, Al Thani insisted that all transfers were made at Israel's request and in coordination with the United States. He explained that $30 million monthly was sent for gas purchases and aid to poor families, with Israel's explicit approval and direct transfer of funds, ensuring they reached the intended recipients. This contradicts reports by Israeli media, which alleged that Qatari funds designated for humanitarian aid were diverted to Hamas, and that a secret funding channel supported half of Hamas's military wing's budget with Netanyahu's knowledge.

Al Thani also vehemently rejected claims by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who called Qatar an "enemy state" for its support of Hamas. Al Thani clarified that Qatar's lobbying efforts globally are solely for defensive purposes, not for funding students as alleged. He described the recent U.S. and Israeli actions in Iran as an "earthquake" that reshapes global conflict and economics. Al Thani revealed he was informed by the White House about the U.S. strike on Iran only 30 minutes prior, and that Qatar itself was attacked less than an hour later. He expressed deep disappointment over the short notice, which he believes prevented diplomatic solutions, and condemned Iran's attack on his country despite Qatar's efforts to avert the war.

The conflict has severely impacted Qatar's economy, with an 8% contraction, an 80% drop in tourism, 60% hotel vacancy, and an estimated $24 billion loss in revenue. Natural gas exports have been significantly hampered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these challenges, Al Thani expressed confidence in Qatar's sovereign wealth funds and institutional resilience to navigate the crisis, recalling a past period of bankruptcy in the mid-1990s. Meanwhile, former PM Bennett responded by calling Al Thani a "terrorist in a suit," vowing to recognize Qatar as an enemy state and expel its agents from Israel.