Israel launched daring air strikes in Qatar on Tuesday. The military targeted homes of senior Hamas leaders in Doha, marking Israel’s first attack on the Gulf state. Dubbed “Summit of Fire,” the operation aimed at leaders blamed for the October 7, 2023 massacre and ongoing war, Israel’s military stated.
A Hamas official in Gaza revealed the strike’s focus. “Negotiators were hit during a meeting discussing a US ceasefire proposal,” he said. Smoke billowed from a low-rise building in Doha, spotted by a video journalist.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari hit back hard. He condemned the cowardly Israeli attack on X, noting it targeted residential buildings housing Hamas political bureau members. Qatar, a key mediator alongside the US and Egypt, pushes for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.
Global Leaders Slam the Attack
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres didn’t hold back. He called the Israeli strikes in Qatar a flagrant violation of Doha’s sovereignty, praising Qatar’s ceasefire efforts.
Iran, a Hamas ally, raged against the strike. “It’s a gross violation of international rules and Qatar’s sovereignty,” they said, hitting Palestinian negotiators. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi echoed this, calling it brutal Israeli aggression threatening regional stability.
The UAE stood with Qatar. Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed posted on X, declaring full solidarity. Islamic Jihad, allied with Hamas in Gaza, also condemned the move.
The US Embassy in Doha issued urgent advice. It told citizens to shelter in place and monitor social media for updates.
Netanyahu Owns the Bold Move
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office was clear. The strike on Hamas leaders was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel planned it, executed it, and takes full responsibility, they said.
This follows a vow from Israel’s armed forces chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, on August 31. He promised to target Hamas leaders abroad, where most reside.
Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar celebrated on X, writing, “May all your enemies perish, Israel.”
Gaza Faces Escalating Threat
The Israeli strikes in Qatar come as Israel intensifies its assault on Gaza City. On Monday, Netanyahu warned residents in a video to leave now. “This is just the start,” he said, with ground forces gearing up for a major operation.
Qatar has led repeated truce efforts since the October 7 attack sparked the war. Temporary pauses happened, but lasting peace remains elusive. For South Africans watching, this underscores the fragile hope for stability in the Middle East. We yearn for progress toward peace.
