Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, has strongly criticized Israel’s recent attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders in Doha.

He called the strike a “barbaric action” that shattered any hopes for securing the release of hostages in Gaza.

Al-Thani told CNN that the operation showed a lack of civility and completely destroyed trust. He said the attack ended any chance for families relying on mediation to help their loved ones.

The Prime Minister shared that he had met a family of a hostage the morning of the strike, and now they have no hope left because the process they were counting on was ruined.

He described the attack as “state terror” and accused Israel of betraying Qatar’s trust. Al-Thani confirmed that a 22-year-old Qatari security officer was killed and others may still be missing. Hamas reported five members were killed, though their negotiators survived the strike.

Qatar is now reconsidering its role in mediation, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of wasting time and undermining peace efforts.

Doha is in close discussions with the United States about how to proceed. Qatar was informed about the strike only shortly before it happened, not by Israel but by US military officials.

Al-Thani added that regional leaders are discussing a collective response to the strike, with an Arab-Islamic summit expected to be held in Doha soon.

He said Qatar hopes for a meaningful action that will prevent Israel from continuing what he called “bullying” behavior in the region.