Israeli jets attacked a residence used by Hamas fighters in the suburbs of Doha, in an escalation of Israel’s tactics.
Israeli strike in Qatar: For a long time, striking Hamas officials in Qatar has been regarded as off-limits by the Israelis; Qatar is a strong U.S. ally. Though it vowed to avenge the deaths of those Israelis killed in the October 7 terrorist attack, the Israeli military was willing to accept limits for the sake of its relationship with the U.S., the possibility that Hamas might accept a ceasefire deal, and regional stability.
But “by noon Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given the green light for an audacious attack on Qatari soil, targeting a residence used by Hamas figures in the dusty northern suburbs of Doha”, reported The Wall Street Journal. “More than 10 Israeli jet fighters fired long-range munitions at the house, causing explosions heard across the capital. It was an escalation of Israel’s tactics against the U.S.-designated terrorist group, targeting its leaders in a sovereign country that mediates Gaza peace talks and hosts the most important U.S. air base in the region.”
“The days are over that terrorist leaders will have immunity anywhere”, Netanyahu said yesterday.
“This morning, the Trump Administration was notified by the United States Military that Israel was attacking Hamas which, very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the Capital of Qatar. This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me. Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a Sovereign Nation and close Ally of the United States, that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker Peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals. However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal”, wrote President Donald Trump on Truth Social. “I immediately directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did, however, unfortunately, too late to stop the attack. I view Qatar as a strong Ally and friend of the U.S., and feel very badly about the location of the attack.
