Israeli PM Netanyahu apologizes to Qatari PM over Doha strike

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani to formally apologize for an Israeli airstrike on Doha that violated Qatari sovereignty and resulted in the death of a Qatari security guard, Axios reported on Monday.

The strike, carried out on September 9, was intended to target senior Hamas leaders believed to be operating from within Qatar.

However, the operation failed to eliminate high-ranking figures, instead killing several lower-level operatives and drawing widespread condemnation across the Arab world.

Qatar, which has served as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas throughout the Gaza war, immediately suspended its involvement in ceasefire negotiations following the strike.

Read more: White House says Israel, Hamas ‘very close’ to framework deal on Gaza war

Doha made a public apology from Israel a precondition for reengaging in talks.

Netanyahu’s apology came during a high-profile meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is reportedly seeking to broker a comprehensive deal to end the war and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Ironically, the controversial strike may have accelerated regional diplomatic efforts.

With tensions high, pressure is mounting for a negotiated resolution—one that Trump aims to unveil during Netanyahu’s ongoing visit to Washington.