Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has drawn global criticism after vowing to pursue Hamas leaders overseas, days after an Israeli airstrike hit Qatar’s capital, Doha.
The strike, which killed at least seven people during ceasefire talks, has been condemned by Qatar and several Gulf states as a violation of sovereignty and international law.
Netanyahu’s Defiance
Speaking Wednesday, Netanyahu warned countries hosting Hamas officials to act or face Israeli retaliation.
“To Qatar and all nations harbouring terrorists — either expel them or bring them to justice. If not, we will,” he said, insisting Israel deserved “applause” for its actions despite widespread condemnation.
Qatar’s Condemnation
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry rejected Netanyahu’s remarks, calling them a “shameful attempt to justify the cowardly attack” on Doha and an open threat of further violations.
It noted that Hamas’s political office in Qatar operates as part of mediation efforts “requested by the United States and Israel,” while accusing Netanyahu of resorting to “extremist rhetoric” amid growing isolation and ICC charges.
Escalation Across the Region
The strike in Doha was one of several Israeli operations across the region. Within three days, Israel launched attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Tunisia, and Qatar, while intensifying daily raids in the West Bank.
On Wednesday alone, 35 people were killed in Yemen, while Israel also faced criticism last week for dropping grenades near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.
Qatar PM: ‘We Are Betrayed’
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told CNN the attack amounted to “state terror.”
“I have no words to express how enraged we are … this is state terror,” he said, adding that Netanyahu had “killed any hope” for the release of hostages in Gaza. He urged the ICC to hold the Israeli leader accountable.
Gulf States Rally
The strike has prompted swift diplomacy in the Gulf. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed visited Doha to meet Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are expected soon.
Sheikh Mohammed confirmed that an Arab-Islamic summit will take place in Doha to coordinate a collective response.
“There will be a response from the region,” he said. “We want something meaningful that deters Israel from continuing this bullying.”
