Qatari PM: Arab world sees Trump as “only one” who can bring peace to Gaza

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has said the Arab world views US President Donald Trump as the “only one” capable of stopping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and bringing peace to Gaza.

In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Al Thani stressed that Trump’s leadership is seen as essential for halting the ongoing conflict.

“We believe that everything should start with Gaza — stopping the war in Gaza and build out from there — because if you look at it today Israel and Netanyahu, it’s not the entire country but it’s Netanyahu, is setting the stage for the region that he has no boundaries and no red lines. He will do whatever he wants wherever he wants," he said. 

The Qatari prime minister’s remarks came days after Israel carried out a strike on Doha, the Qatari capital, in what it described as an effort to eliminate Hamas negotiators. The attack killed at least one security official and injured several others, sparking outrage across Qatar and the Arab world.

While some reports suggested Trump had prior knowledge of the Israeli strike, he has denied them. He has since hosted Al Thani and other Arab leaders in New York, as well as a state visit with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where the situation was a central topic.

Al Thani said Trump personally assured Arab leaders of his commitment to Gaza during a meeting on September 23.

“The president reiterated his commitment to put an end for the war in Gaza,” he said. “He mentioned that he is working with his team on a plan for peace in Gaza and we are trying to help and assist his team in making the plan more acceptable and supported by the region as well.”

According to Al Thani, Netanyahu’s actions — particularly the strike on Doha — undermine US efforts.

“For example, the attack that happened that took place in Doha while negotiating teams were discussing a proposal submitted by President Trump was a total undermining of the U.S. and its efforts. We know that President Trump is the only one who can stop him from acting this way, because this is putting everything that the U.S. has done in the region in jeopardy. The president himself said what happened in Doha is against U.S. interests.”

The Qatari leader emphasized that Arab nations still have faith in Trump’s role.

“We are still hopeful,” Al Thani said. “What we heard from the president two days ago was very encouraging, on September 23 in the meeting with the Arab leaders was very encouraging, and we hope to get back on the right track and we hope that Netanyahu at the end listens and stops what he’s doing."

He concluded that only Trump holds the leverage to rein in Israel’s leader.

“What’s happening right now is disorder by Netanyahu and the way he is conducting himself in the Middle East. Someone needs to stop him, and we don’t see anyone as able to stop him except President Trump.”

Asked whether Trump has unique power to succeed, Al Thani replied: “Yes. He’s the President of the United States.”

By Sabina Mammadli