Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that
Hamas leaders “have no immunity wherever they are,” leaving the door open to
more strikes following last week’s controversial attack in Qatar. Speaking
alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said
every country has the right to defend itself beyond its borders.
The strike in Doha targeted Hamas leaders but instead killed
six people, according to Hamas. Senior figures reportedly survived. Qatar — a
close U.S. ally hosting a major American airbase — condemned the move, calling
it a violation of its sovereignty. President Donald Trump also voiced
disapproval, assuring Qatar that such an incident would not happen again on its
soil.
Pressed on whether Washington was involved, Netanyahu said
Israel acted alone. Rubio, for his part, emphasized that the United States
still maintains “strong relationships with our Gulf allies” and confirmed he
would travel to Qatar after his Israel stop. Despite tensions, both men
projected a united front, highlighting deep technological and cultural ties
between their countries.
The Qatar strike has reignited regional anger as Arab
leaders convene to show support for Doha. Qatar, which has hosted Hamas’s
political bureau since 2012, has also played a central role mediating indirect
talks between Hamas and Israel. Analysts warn that Israel’s move could weaken
Qatar’s ability to serve as a mediator in future negotiations.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza City is
intensifying. The Israel Defense Forces have ordered civilians to evacuate as
ground operations loom. Yet many Palestinians say they cannot leave due to
cost, lack of shelter, or ongoing airstrikes in the south. Humanitarian
agencies, including the UN, warn that a famine-hit population could be pushed
into an even deeper catastrophe if the offensive escalates.
The controversy comes ahead of next week’s UN General
Assembly session, where several U.S. allies are expected to formally recognize
the State of Palestine. Inside Israel, debate over annexation of the West Bank
is intensifying. Netanyahu recently approved the long-stalled E1 settlement
project east of Jerusalem, while far-right ministers push for annexation of
large parts of the occupied territory.
Rubio’s itinerary includes a visit to the City of David
archaeological park in occupied East Jerusalem, where critics say
settler-backed projects are displacing Palestinians under the guise of tourism.
The Florida senator’s appearance there underscores how archaeology and politics
remain intertwined in one of the world’s most contested cities.
This episode underlines how military action, diplomacy, and
international law intersect in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The Qatar
strike not only tests Israel’s relations with Washington but also threatens to
reshape the fragile balance of regional mediation efforts at a critical time.
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