Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Qatar to either expel Hamas leaders or bring them to justice, saying that if Qatar does not act, Israel will.
This warning came a day after an Israeli strike targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, although none of the top officials were killed.
In a video message, Netanyahu compared the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, to the September 11 attacks in the United States.
He promised that Israel would go after Hamas leaders wherever they are found and accused Qatar of funding Hamas and giving its leaders luxurious homes.
Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions by comparing them to the US operation that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, saying that countries that praised the US then should not criticize Israel now.
Qatar strongly rejected Netanyahu’s statements, calling them “Islamophobic” and “reckless” and accusing Israel of threatening its sovereignty.
Doha said hosting Hamas officials is part of transparent mediation efforts, with both Israel and the United States aware of their presence.
The Israeli strike in Doha targeted a Hamas leadership meeting reportedly attended by Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, Muhammad Darwish, Nizar Awadallah, and Khaled Mashaal.
Hamas said none of its top leaders were killed, but five others, including al-Hayya’s son, three bodyguards, and the head of his office, died in the attack.
Reports said two senior Hamas officials were wounded, one critically, and were hospitalized under heavy security.
Sources suggested Israel’s reliance on phone tracking may have failed because Hamas leaders reportedly leave their phones behind during sensitive meetings.
Senior Hamas leader Husam Badran condemned the attack, saying Israel’s actions will not affect Hamas leadership decisions or their coordination with other groups.
In Israel, reactions were divided. President Isaac Herzog supported the strike, claiming Khalil al-Hayya blocked efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release, adding that “He has the blood of thousands of Israelis on his hands.”
However, Mossad chief David Barnea reportedly advised delaying the strike until after Hamas responded to a US-backed proposal, warning that the timing could hurt ongoing negotiations.
