Netanyahu Warns Qatar: Expel or Prosecute Hamas Leaders After Israel Strike in Doha

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Qatar and other countries sheltering Hamas leaders, demanding they either expel or prosecute the group’s operatives. Speaking during a 9/11 memorial address, Netanyahu referenced Israel’s recent air strikes in Doha that killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, declaring, “We did it in Qatar.” He accused Qatar of providing Hamas leaders with luxury villas, financial support, and sanctuary, escalating tensions further after Israel’s unprecedented strike inside Qatar’s capital.

Netanyahu drew parallels to the US response after the September 11 attacks, emphasizing that countries harboring terrorists must act or face consequences from Israel. His comments have been strongly condemned by Qatar, which called the remarks reckless and a violation of its sovereignty. Qatar insisted that the Hamas office in Doha was part of official mediation efforts supported by both the US and Israel aimed at a Gaza ceasefire.

The strike targeted a meeting of Hamas’s top leadership believed to be discussing a US-backed hostage ceasefire proposal. Though the strike killed five Hamas operatives, reports suggest some key leaders survived. Israel’s actions have heightened regional tensions and raised concerns about jeopardizing ongoing peace negotiations.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani criticized Netanyahu’s attack as “barbaric” and said it destroyed hope for hostages in Gaza. Despite this, Qatar affirmed its commitment to mediating peace talks. Netanyahu’s stance signals continued Israeli willingness to take aggressive action against Hamas leadership abroad if host nations refuse to cooperate.