Israeli PM apologizes to Qatar as Trump’s Gaza peace push gains momentum

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized to Qatar over a recent attack on Doha, the Gulf state’s Foreign Ministry confirmed.

The apology comes amid efforts to calm regional tensions and push forward with US-sponsored ceasefire diplomacy in Gaza, Caliber.Az reports, citing Arab media.

Speaking at a press conference, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari stated that the attack—carried out on September 9 and targeting senior Hamas leaders engaged in US-backed ceasefire negotiations—resulted in the deaths of at least five lower-ranking Hamas members and a Qatari security official. Hamas’s top leadership, however, survived the attempt.

Turning to developments in Gaza, the spokesperson noted that Doha was still waiting for Hamas’ formal response to US President Donald Trump’s peace initiative but expressed optimism that the group would accede to the proposal. He also announced that Türkiye would join the mediation team meeting on September 30, alongside Qatar, the US, and other partners, in a bid to advance ongoing negotiations.

Qatar reiterated its support for Trump’s plan, describing it as a comprehensive vision to end the war in Gaza and restore regional stability.

President Trump, in a conference on September 29, reaffirmed that Netanyahu supported a broad Gaza peace plan aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire. The 20‑point proposal calls for synchronized steps: the war would conclude once both sides reach agreement, with Israeli withdrawals tied to the release of all hostages held by Hamas. An initial ceasefire would be initiated during that process.

Meanwhile, Qatar has expressed satisfaction with security guarantees provided by the United States, following a reported attack on its territory, and confirmed that Israel has pledged not to carry out any future strikes against the Gulf nation.

Spokesman al-Ansari stated that the assurances were delivered during a phone call on September 29 between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“The security assurances and the commitments that were offered in the call yesterday (Monday) by President Trump and the Israeli prime minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) were very clear and were under the guarantee of the US president that Qatar will never be attacked,” al-Ansari told reporters.

"We are content with the security assurances that we have received," he added, emphasizing that the communication also included “a commitment by Israel not to attack Qatar again in its capacity or otherwise.”

Qatar also confirmed plans to hold talks later with Hamas negotiators and Turkish officials to discuss US President Donald Trump’s recently unveiled Gaza peace plan.

By Vafa Guliyeva