Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Qatar to expel or prosecute terrorists operating on its soil. This statement comes a day after Israeli airstrikes targeted senior Hamas officials in Doha, the political bureau of the Palestinian group designated a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.
Netanyahu warned:
“I tell Qatar and all countries that harbor terrorists: either expel them or bring them to justice. If you do not, we will.”
Earlier in the day, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed that Israel would act against all enemies, anywhere, emphasizing that there is no place for perpetrators of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel to hide.
According to Hamas, the Doha airstrikes killed six people, including an aide and the son of the group’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, along with three bodyguards and a Qatari security official. The group claimed its top leaders survived the attack.
The White House noted that U.S. President Donald Trump had not agreed with Israel’s military action but had informed Qatar in advance. Doha confirmed it received prior warning from Washington as the strikes commenced.
Qatar, along with the U.S. and Egypt, has led diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Palestinian militants.
The October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. In retaliation, Israeli military operations have killed more than 64,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, figures considered reliable by the United Nations.
