Netanyahu apologised to Qatar after Israel’s Doha strike killed six. He promised no more attacks, assurances welcomed by Qatar.
DOHA: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised Qatar that Israel will not launch another strike, following an air raid earlier this month that killed six people in the Qatari capital. The White House confirmed on Monday that Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, accepted the assurances after Netanyahu also issued a formal apology.
The strike, carried out on September 9 in a residential neighbourhood of Doha, was aimed at Hamas leaders who were reportedly meeting to discuss Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal for Gaza. While Hamas officials survived, the attack killed six, including a Qatari security officer, sparking outrage in Qatar and across the region.
Netanyahu’s apology marks a rare diplomatic retreat for Israel, especially given the sensitivity of striking inside a Gulf state. Washington has been mediating between the two countries, with the Biden administration keen to prevent further escalation. “The Israeli Prime Minister has assured Qatar that such an incident will not happen again,” the White House statement noted.
Qatar, a key regional mediator that has hosted both Hamas officials and US negotiators, welcomed the assurances but stressed the need for accountability. Prime Minister Al Thani reportedly told American officials that Qatar remains committed to peace talks but cannot tolerate violations of its sovereignty.
The apology and pledge come amid already heightened tensions across the Middle East, with critics questioning whether Israel will maintain its commitment. Analysts suggest Netanyahu’s move was influenced by Washington’s pressure, as Qatar plays an indispensable role in mediating ceasefires and prisoner exchanges in the Israel–Hamas conflict.
For now, the diplomatic thaw avoids a deeper rift between Israel and Qatar, but trust remains fragile as the region watches what Israel does next.
-Agencies
