Framing Gaza War as ‘Defense of Civilization’ Mirrors Historical Justifications for Atrocities, Says Qatar
Doha (Quds News Network)- Qatar has sharply condemned recent statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The remarks portrayed Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza as a defense of “civilization.”
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dr. Majed Al Ansari rejected the statements. He called them inflammatory, irresponsible, and morally bankrupt.
“Framing this aggression as a defense of civilization,” said Al Ansari, “recalls the language of regimes throughout history that used false slogans to justify crimes against innocent civilians.”
The remarks come amid growing international concern over Israel’s continued bombardment and blockade of Gaza. Over 52,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed by Israel. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins. Food, medicine, and shelter remain cut off for over 2 million people, while over 2 million people are being starved.
Qatar, a key mediator in prisoner negotiations, responded forcefully to Netanyahu’s accusations. The Israeli leader had attacked Qatar for filing a case at the International Court of Justice, urging Israel to stop its genocide in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid in.
Netanyahu’s office accused Qatar of “siding with Hamas”, claiming that Qatar “must choose between civilization and barbarism.”
But Dr. Al Ansari pushed back: “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. Is this truly the model of “civilization” being promoted?”
Qatar reaffirmed that its foreign policy stands on principle. It will continue to support oppressed people and uphold international law without bias. Political pressure, smear campaigns, or threats will not change that stance, Al Ansari said.
He added that Qatar is working closely with Egypt and the U.S. to secure a ceasefire, ensure aid flows freely, and push for lasting peace; one based on justice, not violence or double standards.
Netanyahu’s criticism of Qatar comes amid Israeli frustration with growing international legal pressure. At The Hague, Qatar’s legal representative, Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani, told the court that Israel is committing genocide and destroying an entire generation of Palestinians in Gaza.
He said Israel uses starvation as a weapon; a war crime under the Rome Statute. He also warned of Israel’s total disregard for human life and called out its failure to end the occupation.
