Qatar vows action
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, has warned that the Gulf region is preparing a “collective response” to Israel’s attack on Doha. Speaking to CNN on Wednesday, he said discussions are underway with regional partners.
“There is a response that will happen from the region. This response is currently under consultation and discussion with other partners in the region,” Sheikh Mohammed said. He added that Israel’s actions are pushing the Gulf “into chaos.”
Regional solidarity grows
Arab leaders rushed to Doha on Wednesday to show support for Qatar following the Israeli strike, which killed at least seven people, including two Qatari security officers. Hamas confirmed its leadership survived the assassination attempt, which targeted a meeting about a Gaza ceasefire proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford reported that regional governments are considering legal action against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for violating international law. “They are looking at all legal avenues to have Netanyahu tried,” Stratford said.
Mounting pressure on Israel
The Doha attack has triggered widespread condemnation worldwide. Rights groups have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, where the death toll has now surpassed 64,600 since October 2023. On Wednesday alone, at least 72 Palestinians were killed, most in Gaza City.
Sheikh Mohammed said Israel’s strike was designed to kill peace efforts. “Everything about the meeting is very well known to the Israelis and the Americans. It’s not something that we are hiding,” he said.
Hostages at risk
The Qatari prime minister also accused Netanyahu of endangering Israeli captives held in Gaza. “I think that what Netanyahu did yesterday – he just killed any hope for those hostages,” Sheikh Mohammed said, referring to the 20 believed to still be alive.
