Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said on Tuesday (Sept 9) that mediation is an integral part of Qatar’s identity and nothing will prevent the country from pursuing that role, speaking just hours after Israel struck Hamas leaders in Doha. Alongside Cairo and Washington, Doha has played a central role in brokering talks between Israel and Hamas during the Gaza conflict.

“Qatar has made every effort and will continue doing all it can to end the war in Gaza. But after today’s attack, I do not see any meaningful progress possible in the current negotiations,” al-Thani said at a press conference. He accused Israel of undermining opportunities for peace and strongly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of engaging in “state terrorism.” Netanyahu defended the strike as “entirely justified,” saying it was ordered in response to an attack in Jerusalem and the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in Gaza.

Al-Thani noted that U.S. officials informed Qatar of the Israeli strike only 10 minutes after it began, calling the attack “a complete act of treachery.” Qatar reserves the right to retaliate against this clear violation and will take all necessary measures in response, he added, revealing that a legal team has already been established to manage the Gulf nation’s course of action.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.