In a recent incident that has drawn significant attention, a Qatari official expressed support for Hamas, the militant group involved in ongoing conflicts with Israel. Sa’oud bin Abd Al-Rahman Al Thani, Qatar’s deputy prime minister and defense affairs minister, made a post on social media declaring, "We Are all Hamas… Oh Al-Quds, revolt and commemorate Al-Qassam!" This statement came amid rising tensions following the October 7 attacks in Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths.
Shortly after posting, Al Thani deleted his message, likely in an effort to distance himself from the controversial remarks. Reports indicate that this is not an isolated incident; the minister has a history of supporting Hamas and criticizing Israel and U.S. policies. In the past, he has called for Qatar to increase its influence over American decision-makers.
Adding to the controversy, Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, the mother of Qatar’s current Emir and head of the Qatar Foundation, praised a former Hamas leader after his death, suggesting that he would outlive the Jewish people. This kind of rhetoric has raised eyebrows and fueled concerns about Qatar’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On the same day as the October 7 attacks, Qatar’s foreign ministry issued a statement placing the blame solely on Israel for the violence, citing ongoing violations of Palestinian rights. This statement aligns with the views expressed by Al Jazeera, the Qatari government-owned news outlet, which has been criticized for airing pro-Hamas content and calls to arms from its leaders.
The situation highlights the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and the challenges in seeking peace in the region. Qatar’s role as a host for Hamas leaders and its support for their actions complicate its position as a potential mediator in the conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is watching closely to see how these developments will impact efforts for peace in the Middle East.