Qatar PM Asserts Right to Respond After Israeli Strike Kills Six

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, issued a stern warning on March 26, 2024, asserting that his nation reserves the right to respond following an Israeli airstrike that struck Doha, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including a Qatari security officer. During a press conference, Al-Thani characterized the attack as a “blatant” violation of sovereignty and emphasized that there must be a collective response from the region to what he termed “barbaric actions.”

In his remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “We believe that today we have reached a pivotal moment. There must be a response from the entire region to such barbaric actions.” This sentiment was echoed by Majed Al-Ansari, the official spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who condemned the strike and reaffirmed the country’s stance against “reckless Israeli behavior.” Al-Ansari described the attack as a cowardly act targeting residential buildings that housed several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in Doha.

The Israeli government has acknowledged its role in the operation. In a statement released via social media platform X, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the attack was a “wholly independent Israeli operation” and took full responsibility for the strike. Netanyahu’s office stated, “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”

Qatari authorities have categorically rejected claims suggesting that Doha had prior knowledge of the attack. Al-Ansari dismissed these allegations as baseless, noting that a call from a US official occurred “during the sound of explosions caused by the Israeli attack in Doha.”

The recent escalation has intensified regional tensions and prompted widespread condemnation. Qatar’s foreign ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting its sovereignty and called for international accountability regarding such military actions. The implications of the strike resonate beyond Qatar, as various regional actors are expected to respond to the unfolding situation.

The attack has been described by Qatari officials as a significant escalation in ongoing hostilities, raising concerns about potential further violence in an already volatile region. Observers are closely monitoring the situation for any developments that may arise from this incident, particularly regarding regional diplomatic relations and security arrangements.