Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that Israel could strike Hamas leaders “wherever they are,” even as Arab and Islamic states gathered in Doha to support Qatar after last week’s Israeli attack. The September 9 strike in Doha, which targeted senior Hamas figures, marked a sharp escalation in Israel’s regional operations since the Hamas-led attacks of October 2023 ignited the Gaza war. This warning came as tensions mounted between Israel and countries concerned about regional stability and diplomatic fallout.
Moreover, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Netanyahu in Jerusalem and voiced strong backing for Israel’s hardline approach while urging Qatar to remain engaged in mediation efforts. Rubio said that ending the Gaza war would require Hamas to release all hostages and surrender, but he cautioned that a peaceful resolution might not be possible. His comments suggested Washington’s growing alignment with Israel’s military strategy, even though President Donald Trump recently advised Israel to act “very, very carefully” to avoid alienating key allies like Qatar.
Meanwhile, Qatar denounced the strike on its capital as a “cowardly and treacherous” act and urged the summit to take decisive action. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani emphasized that the attack occurred while Hamas leaders were reviewing a US ceasefire proposal. The final communique stopped short of threatening direct action but called on nations to reassess diplomatic and economic ties with Israel. Leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey warned that Israel’s moves could jeopardize peace efforts and existing agreements, further complicating fragile regional relations.
In addition, Rubio announced plans to travel to Qatar following his meetings in Israel, reiterating that Qatar could play a key role in securing the release of 48 hostages, disarming Hamas, and shaping Gaza’s future. However, his remarks alongside Netanyahu indicated that Washington increasingly views a diplomatic settlement as unlikely, instead supporting Israel’s preparation for a broader military offensive. Netanyahu also hinted at potential unilateral steps, including annexation of parts of the West Bank, in response to countries considering recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month.
At the same time, Israeli forces continued their assault on Gaza City, killing at least 16 Palestinians in strikes on homes and a tent sheltering displaced families, local health officials reported. The Israeli army also destroyed Gaza’s tallest building, a 16-floor tower in western Gaza City, after issuing evacuation warnings, claiming it concealed Hamas infrastructure. The Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’s deadly October 2023 attack on southern Israel, has since killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, while displacement, hunger, and destroyed infrastructure continue to deepen the humanitarian crisis.