Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the mother of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has stirred controversy by praising Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in an Instagram post after he was reportedly killed by Israeli forces. In the post, Sheikha Moza wrote, “The name Yahya means the one who lives. They thought him dead but he lives. Like his namesake, Yahya bin Zakariya, he will live on and they will be gone.”
Sheikha Moza is a prominent global figure, known for her work in education through the Qatar Foundation, and has previously served as a UN ambassador. Her comments come as Qatar, a key U.S. strategic ally recently designated as a “major non-NATO ally,” continues to play a critical role in regional security, hosting the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base.
French Imam Criticizes Sheikha Moza’s Praise of Sinwar
Moderate Imam Hassen Chalghoumi of Drancy, France, condemned Sheikha Moza’s statement, calling it an endorsement of terrorism. He stated, “When the mother of the Emir of Qatar glorifies a terrorist like Yahya Sinwar, responsible for the deaths of innocent Palestinians and Israelis, it reveals the dangerous stance of a family that promotes Islamism and hatred.”
Chalghoumi also called on Western leaders to reevaluate alliances with political families that align with extremist ideologies, urging stronger action against groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.
This public praise has reignited debates on Qatar’s complex role in the Middle East, balancing its diplomatic ties with the West while facing criticism for its relations with groups like Hamas.
Key Points:
- Sheikha Moza’s Praise for Yahya Sinwar:
Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, mother of Qatar’s Emir, praised Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in an Instagram post after his reported death by Israeli forces, stating he “will live on” like his namesake. - Influential Global Figure:
Sheikha Moza is a prominent advocate for global education through the Qatar Foundation and has served as a UN ambassador, using her platform to enhance Qatar’s international standing. - Qatar’s Strategic Role with the U.S.:
Qatar, a key U.S. ally and recently designated as a “major non-NATO ally,” hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East. - Condemnation from French Imam:
Imam Hassen Chalghoumi of Drancy, France, criticized Sheikha Moza for glorifying Sinwar, a figure responsible for violence, and called on Western leaders to reassess their alliances with Qatar. - Debate Over Qatar’s Role:
The incident has reignited discussions on Qatar’s complex position in the Middle East, balancing ties with Western powers while facing criticism for its links to groups like Hamas.
