Netanyahu Does Not Exclude Further Strikes on Hamas Amidst Regional Tensions

In the wake of a recent Israeli missile strike targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out further military actions "wherever they are." This declaration comes as Arab and Islamic leaders gathered at an emergency summit in Doha to express solidarity with Qatar and condemn Israeli aggression.

The September 9 attack, which marked a significant intensification of Israeli operations beyond Gaza, reportedly killed five Hamas militants and a Qatari security officer; however, the group insists its top leadership survived. This event has exacerbated tensions in the Gulf region, complicating diplomatic relations, particularly between Israel and Gulf states allied with the United States.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani described the strike as "cowardly and treacherous," highlighting that Hamas leaders were engaged in discussions over a US-proposed ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Egypt at the time of the attack. The highly charged summit, driven by a draft resolution obtained ahead of the meeting, warned that Israel’s actions—including alleged genocidal policies and territorial expansion—endanger peace prospects and efforts to normalize relations across the region.

Addressing the summit, the draft emphasized that "the brutal Israeli attack on Qatar and the continuation of Israel's hostile acts threaten all progress achieved toward normalization agreements and future peace initiatives."

Alongside Netanyahu in Jerusalem, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio applauded Qatar's role as a mediator and underscored the necessity for the Gulf state to maintain its constructive involvement in resolving the Gaza conflict. Rubio stated, "We will continue to encourage Qatar to play a positive role in facilitating the release of 48 hostages held in Gaza, disarming Hamas, and fostering a better future for Gazans."

Despite the US support for Qatar's mediation efforts, former President Donald Trump voiced concerns about the strike, urging Israel to act cautiously. "They must handle Hamas appropriately while recognizing Qatar’s importance as a US ally," Trump commented.

Meanwhile, Israeli military operations persist in Gaza. Local health officials report at least 16 Palestinians were killed in recent air raids targeting residential homes and a displaced family’s tent. Israeli forces also demolished a 16-story building—believed to be Gaza’s tallest—citing its use for "terrorist infrastructure," after warning occupants to evacuate.

The ongoing conflict has intensified international criticism of Israel, with numerous human rights groups labeling its Gaza campaign as genocidal due to the substantial civilian death toll that surpasses 64,000. Israel rejects these accusations, deeming its actions as self-defense following Hamas’s October 7 attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 250 hostages.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani affirmed Doha’s commitment to continue mediation efforts alongside Egypt and the US despite Israeli provocations. As diplomatic initiatives advance amid escalating violence, the region faces mounting uncertainty over prospects for durable peace.