Netanyahu warns Qatar: act against Hamas or face Israeli strikes
- Benjamin Netanyahu warned Qatar to stop harboring Hamas leaders or face Israeli military action.
- The remarks followed a recent military strike by Israel in Doha against Hamas targets.
- The situation has led to heightened tensions and complicated peace negotiations in the region.
On Tuesday, September 10, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a formal warning to Qatar regarding its hosting of Hamas leaders. He stated that if Qatar continued to offer safe haven to the terrorist organization, Israel would view them as legitimate military targets. This announcement came after Israel's airstrikes in Doha targeted Hamas members who were seen as masterminds behind recent attacks against Israelis. Netanyahu justified Israel's military actions by invoking the United States’ responses post-September 11, 2001, claiming nations that harbor terrorists should face consequences. This military action against Hamas was aimed at signaling that Qatar could no longer protect extremists without repercussions. While Netanyahu's actions received some support domestically, they sparked significant international criticism and raised tensions in the Middle East. The attack also jeopardized ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, as Qatari officials expressed their condemnation of Israel's strikes. The ramifications of this situation are unfolding, with Qatar seeking diplomatic redress and efforts to broker peace becoming increasingly complicated.