Hitting back, Qatar says PM portraying Gaza op as ‘defense of civilization’ echoes dark regimes of old

After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares in a statement on his official X account that it’s time for Qatar to “decide if it’s on the side of civilization or… Hamas barbarism,” Doha hits back that the premier’s portrayal of the IDF’s ongoing military operation in Gaza “as a defense of ‘civilization'” echoes the justifications of dark regimes throughout history.

“Portraying the ongoing aggression against Gaza as a defense of ‘civilization’ echoes the rhetoric of regimes throughout history that have used false narratives to justify crimes against innocent civilians,” Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari says.

Recalling Qatar’s extensive role in hostage deal negotiations, the spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, says that “a legitimate question must be raised.”

“Were the releases of no fewer than 138 hostages achieved through so-called ‘just’ military operations, or through the very mediation that is now being unjustly criticized and undermined?” he asks.

“Meanwhile, the Palestinian people in Gaza are enduring one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of modern times—marked by a suffocating blockade, systematic starvation, denial of medicine and shelter, and the use of humanitarian aid as a tool of political coercion,” Ansari continues. “Is this truly the model of ‘civilization’ being promoted?

He stresses that Qatar will continue to work with both Egypt and the US to secure a long-lasting ceasefire and hostage release deal, and to “advance a just and lasting peace — one grounded in justice and humanity, not violence and double standards.”

The State of Qatar firmly rejects the inflammatory statements issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, which fall far short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility. Portraying the ongoing aggression against Gaza as a defense of “civilization”…

— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) May 3, 2025