Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern ultimatum to Qatar, demanding the expulsion or prosecution of Hamas leaders residing within its borders. He warned that should Qatar fail to take action, Israel will intervene directly. This declaration followed an Israeli airstrike targeting a Hamas leadership gathering in Doha, which, according to reports, did not eliminate any of the group’s top commanders.
In a resolute video statement, Netanyahu likened the October 7, 2023, Hamas offensive to the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, pledging that Israel will relentlessly track down Hamas operatives wherever they may be. He emphasized that no nation should serve as a sanctuary for terrorists, accusing Qatar of financially supporting Hamas and providing luxurious accommodations for its leaders.
Netanyahu drew parallels to the U.S. operation that eliminated Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, asserting that countries which once applauded America’s counterterrorism efforts should not now criticize Israel’s similar actions. “To Qatar and all nations sheltering terrorists: either expel them or bring them to justice. If you refuse, we will act,” he declared.
Qatar swiftly condemned Netanyahu’s statements, labeling them as Islamophobic and irresponsible. Doha accused the Israeli leader of threatening its sovereignty and clarified that its hosting of Hamas officials was part of transparent mediation efforts conducted with the knowledge and consent of both Israel and the United States.
The recent Israeli strike targeted a Hamas leadership meeting in Doha, reportedly attended by senior figures including Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, Muhammad Darwish, Nizar Awadallah, and Khaled Mashaal. While Hamas confirmed that none of its top leaders were killed, five individuals died, including al-Hayya’s son, three bodyguards, and the head of his office.
According to Saudi news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, two senior Hamas officials were injured-one critically-and were hospitalized under tight security. Sources indicated that Israel’s reliance on mobile phone geolocation may have compromised the operation, as Hamas leaders are known to leave their phones behind during sensitive meetings to avoid detection.
Husam Badran, a senior Hamas official, condemned the attack, asserting that Israel’s actions would not deter the leadership’s decisions or their coordination with allied factions.
Within Israel, reactions were mixed. President Isaac Herzog supported the strike, describing Khalil al-Hayya as a major barrier to ceasefire negotiations and the release of hostages. “He bears responsibility for the deaths of thousands of Israelis,” Herzog stated during a visit to London.
Conversely, Channel 12 reported that Mossad chief David Barnea had recommended postponing the strike until after Hamas responded to a U.S.-backed peace proposal, cautioning that the timing might jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts.
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