Israel’s ambassador to the United States warned on Wednesday that his country would pursue Hamas leaders “wherever they may be,” a day after an Israeli airstrike in Doha attempted to assassinate the group’s political leadership.
The unprecedented attack inside Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire talks, has raised fears of escalating regional tensions and further setbacks to negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza.
“If we failed to kill them this time, we will succeed next time,” Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said during remarks at the U.S. Capitol complex. He accused Qatar of sheltering and financing Hamas, citing Monday’s deadly shooting in Jerusalem that killed six people at a bus stop.
The strike on Doha killed at least five Hamas members, including the son of senior official Khalil al-Hayya, but the group said its top leaders survived. Qatar condemned the attack, with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani saying his government was “reassessing everything” about hosting Hamas’ political office.
He added that consultations were underway with regional partners, and the issue would be discussed in Doha in the coming days.
The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had a heated phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the strike, telling him the operation was “not wise.” Washington has characterized the attack as a unilateral move that undermines joint U.S.-Israeli interests and risks derailing ceasefire talks.
The United Nations Security Council postponed a scheduled meeting until Thursday at Qatar’s request to allow Al-Thani to attend. Meanwhile, Arab leaders rallied in Doha in a show of solidarity. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were among those expected to visit.
The strike comes amid Israel’s expanding military operations across the Middle East. On Wednesday, Israeli forces bombed Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting Houthi military sites weeks after assassinating the group’s prime minister. The Houthis have intensified attacks on Red Sea shipping in support of Palestinians.
European leaders also signaled growing frustration with Israel. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Brussels would propose sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers and consider suspending elements of its trade agreement with Israel. Germany, one of Israel’s strongest allies, said it would join discussions on the measures.
The future of Gaza ceasefire talks remains uncertain. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee acknowledged he did not know how the Doha strike would affect negotiations.
Hamas has insisted it will only release hostages if Israel ends the war and withdraws from Gaza. Netanyahu has rejected partial agreements, demanding that Hamas surrender and free all captives in a single deal.
The war, sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 taken hostage, has devastated Gaza.
Local health officials say more than 64,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory campaign, leaving much of the enclave in ruins.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
