What's happened
Israel launched a strike in Qatar targeting Hamas leaders, risking regional stability and US-backed peace efforts. The attack drew widespread condemnation, with concerns over its impact on ceasefire negotiations and regional diplomacy. US and Qatar officials expressed disappointment, while Israel claims the operation was independent. The incident heightens regional tensions amid ongoing Gaza conflict.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Israel's attack in Doha targeted Hamas officials, including Khalil al-Hayya's son, and was condemned across the Middle East. South China Morning Post highlights President Trump's public disapproval and concerns from US officials about Netanyahu's unilateral decision, emphasizing the risk to regional peace. The article also notes Qatar's firm stance against the attack, asserting it as a violation of sovereignty and warning of potential repercussions. The New Arab underscores Qatar's diplomatic mobilization, including an emergency summit, and details US concerns about Netanyahu's actions sabotaging peace efforts. All sources agree that the attack marks a significant escalation, with regional and international repercussions, and that it threatens to derail ongoing peace negotiations in Gaza.
How we got here
Qatar has been a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks, hosting negotiations and working to facilitate hostage releases. The Israeli attack in Doha marks a significant escalation, as it targeted Hamas officials and occurred on Qatari soil, which has historically maintained a neutral mediating role. The incident follows a period of heightened conflict in Gaza, where Israel's military operations have resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties and widespread displacement. The US has maintained a delicate diplomatic stance, supporting Israel's security while urging de-escalation and regional stability.
Go deeper
Common question
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Khalil al-Hayya is a senior Hamas official who was elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council on 25 January 2006 as a representative of Gaza City. He resides in the neighborhood of Shuja'iyya.
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