Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent a stark warning to Hamas leaders worldwide after Israel targeted top figures hiding in Qatar. Speaking in a recent interview, Netanyahu emphasized that the operation carried a clear strategic message.
“I do not accept the claim that the operation in Qatar failed. It was crucial to demonstrate that Hamas leaders are not immune anywhere in the world, at any time and that message has been conveyed,” Netanyahu said.
On September 9, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched ten missiles from fighter jets, targeting a residential complex in Qatar known to house senior Hamas officials. While most of the leadership reportedly survived, five members of the group were killed. Much of Hamas’ senior command had already left Gaza following the October 7, 2023 outbreak of hostilities.
Qatar has played a role in mediating between Israel and Hamas for the past two years, even while hosting members of the designated terrorist organization.
During a joint press appearance in Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood alongside Netanyahu, reiterating support for Israel’s actions. “You can hide, you can run, but we’ll get you,” Netanyahu warned. Rubio added that Hamas “must be eliminated” and emphasized that every hostage must be released immediately.
Netanyahu underscored that the strike in Qatar was a “wholly independent decision” by Israel and that his government “assumes full responsibility” for the operation. He also criticized international criticism as “immense hypocrisy,” citing a post-9/11 U.N. resolution that no country should harbor terrorists.
Qatar’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, strongly condemned the strike, calling it “state terrorism” and accusing Israel of violating international law. He highlighted that the attack took place during ongoing peace negotiations hosted by Qatar.
The strike comes against a backdrop of shifting Middle East diplomacy. Five years ago, Israel normalized relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain through the Abraham Accords, later extending agreements with Morocco and Sudan. Efforts to formalize ties with Saudi Arabia were underway before the October 7 Hamas attack, and the conflict has since strained relations with Arab nations.
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