Netanyahu, Israel's leader, declares Qatar provides funds for Hamas, justifies potential strike
In a series of unprecedented events, Israel conducted a strike on Hamas officials in Qatar last week, triggering a wave of international condemnation and diplomatic fallout.
The attack, which took place in Doha, was the first Israeli strike on fellow US ally Qatar. The bombing resulted in the death of six people, none of whom were the top Hamas officials Israel was targeting.
The move was justified by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who cited Qatar's ties to Hamas as the justification for the strike. However, the attack was widely condemned by the international community, with the UN rights chief describing it as an assault on regional stability.
The strike came amidst a complex web of relations between Israel, Hamas, and Qatar. Between 2018 and 2023, Qatar provided millions of dollars in monthly cash handouts and aid to Hamas-run Gaza, with the approval of Netanyahu's cabinet. Qatar has also mediated between Israel and Hamas in negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.
The attack on the Hamas meeting in Doha was not the first time Qatar has hosted Hamas. Hamas has long been hosted by Qatar, and their October 7, 2023 attack on Israel triggered the Gaza war.
The aftermath of the strike saw Qatar convening an emergency summit of the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Nearly 60 countries attended the summit, calling for firm action against Israel. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and Jordan were among the participating countries.
The summit brought renewed attention to the ongoing investigation known as "Qatargate". The investigation, which raises questions about potential Qatari influence in Netanyahu's office, has been linked to the dismissal of Shin Beth chief Ronen Bar and attempts to fire Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
Israeli media have reported that two of Netanyahu's aides are being investigated by the Shin Bet internal security agency for alleged payments from Qatar. Netanyahu has denied the investigation as a "political witch hunt".
Despite the international outcry and the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit, no specific information has been provided about any action taken by the international community against Israel following these events.
It is clear that the relations between Israel, Hamas, and Qatar are fraught with tension and complexity. As these events unfold, the international community will continue to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that brings peace and stability to the region.
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