“The cowardly attack”: Qatar slams Israel’s Doha strike, Netanyahu's justifying remarks

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his recent statements regarding Israel’s attack on Qatari territory and Qatar’s hosting of the Hamas office.

In a statement, Doha described Netanyahu’s remarks as “reckless” and accused him of attempting to justify “the cowardly attack” while issuing “explicit threats of future violations of state sovereignty,” Caliber.Az reports.

“Netanyahu is fully aware that the hosting of the Hamas office took place within the framework of Qatar’s mediation efforts requested by the United States and Israel,” the statement read.

The office has facilitated numerous exchanges and ceasefires, bringing relief to Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages in desperate need of basic humanitarian assistance.

The ministry rejected Netanyahu’s suggestion that Qatar secretly harboured the Hamas delegation, calling it “a desperate attempt to justify a crime condemned by the entire world.” It also dismissed comparisons made by the Israeli leader to the pursuit of al-Qaeda as “a new, miserable justification for treacherous practices.”

The Qatari government emphasised its ongoing role as an impartial international partner, noting that “no effort will be spared in confronting with resolve any attempts to undermine its standing and role.”

Qatar further urged the international community to “reject Netanyahu’s Islamophobic and inciteful rhetoric and put an end to political distortions that undermine mediation efforts and obstruct the pursuit of peace.”

The statement concluded that Qatar remains committed to international law and the UN Charter, asserting that it will take “all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and territory” and work with partners to ensure Netanyahu is held accountable.

On September 9, explosions struck Doha, Qatar. Israel later confirmed its forces, aided by Shin Bet and the Air Force, targeted Hamas leaders.

Qatari officials reported one security officer killed and several injured. Hamas denied deaths among its negotiators but said six people died, including Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya’s son and a Qatari security officer.

By Aghakazim Guliyev