Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Qatar and other nations accused of sheltering Hamas leaders, declaring that they must either expel or prosecute the group’s operatives—or face direct Israeli action.
Netanyahu’s remarks, delivered in a video message on Wednesday, came a day after an Israeli airstrike in Doha killed several Hamas delegates and a Qatari security officer. The delegates had reportedly gathered in the Qatari capital for ceasefire discussions when the attack occurred, sparking international condemnation.
Defending the controversial strike, Netanyahu compared it to the U.S. military operation that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011. “We went after the terrorist masterminds who committed the October 7 massacre. And we did so in Qatar,” he said, referring to Hamas’ assault on Israel nearly two years ago.
The Israeli leader emphasized that his government would not tolerate countries providing safe haven to Hamas operatives. “I say to Qatar and all nations who harbor terrorists, you either expel them or you bring them to justice. Because if you don’t, we will,” he warned.
The comments have further heightened tensions in the Middle East as Israel continues its military operations against Hamas, while Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been acting as key mediators in efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.