DOHA/JERUSALEM — Tensions in the Middle East climbed even higher as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned he would not rule out further strikes on Hamas leaders “wherever they are.” His remarks came as leaders of Arab and Islamic states gathered in Qatar for an emergency summit in response to Israel’s attack on Doha last week.
The September 9 airstrike, which targeted Hamas officials in the Qatari capital, marked a dramatic escalation in Israel’s campaign. The attack sent shockwaves across the region already scarred by conflict since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault that triggered the Gaza war.
Qatar Condemns “Cowardly” Attack
At the summit, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani condemned the Israeli strike as “cowardly and treacherous.” He revealed that Hamas leaders were reviewing a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal—mediated by Qatar and Egypt—when the attack took place.
Hamas claimed that five of its members were killed but said its leadership survived. A member of Qatar’s internal security forces also lost his life.
The targeting of Qatar, a key U.S. ally and mediator, has alarmed Gulf states and further strained Israel’s fragile ties with the region. In particular, relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates—normalized in 2020—have come under pressure.
U.S. Reaction: Caution and Diplomacy
Speaking in Jerusalem, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern but urged Qatar to continue playing a “constructive role” in resolving the Gaza conflict. He emphasized Qatar’s potential to help secure the release of 48 hostages still held in Gaza, push for Hamas’ disarmament, and lay foundations for a better future for Palestinians.
U.S. President Donald Trump also voiced unease, warning Israel to be “very, very careful.” While reaffirming America’s opposition to Hamas, he called Qatar “a great ally” whose role should not be undermined.
Draft Resolution: Attack Threatens Peace
A draft resolution prepared ahead of the Doha summit accused Israel of committing “hostile acts” including genocide, ethnic cleansing, starvation, and siege tactics. It warned that the strike on Qatar could derail peace efforts and threaten “everything achieved” in attempts to normalize ties with Israel.
Israel strongly rejects accusations of genocide, insisting its actions are self-defense against Hamas, citing the October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 hostages taken. Meanwhile, local authorities in Gaza report that nearly 64,000 people have been killed in Israel’s nearly two-year-long military campaign.
Gaza Under Fire
Even as diplomacy played out in Doha and Jerusalem, Israeli forces pressed their assault in Gaza City. Health officials said at least 16 Palestinians were killed in strikes on two homes and a tent sheltering displaced families.
In one of the heaviest blows, the Israeli army destroyed a 16-floor building—believed to be the tallest in Gaza—an hour after warning families inside to evacuate. The military claimed the structure was hiding “terrorist infrastructure.”
Mediation Will Continue
Despite the violence and accusations, Qatar vowed to continue its mediation efforts alongside Egypt and the U.S.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani insisted Israel’s actions would not stop Doha from pursuing dialogue. He accused Netanyahu of “state terrorism” and sabotaging peace chances, but reaffirmed that Qatar’s mission is to seek a resolution that protects Palestinian lives and regional stability.
As bombs fall and summits unfold, one thing is clear: the path to peace in the Middle East remains as fragile—and as urgent—as ever.
