Netanyahu Apologizes to Qatar for Airstrike

Darwin, 01 October- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally apologized to Qatar for an airstrike that struck the capital, Doha, earlier this month. In a conversation with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident and assured that such actions would not be repeated.

According to officials, the strike targeted a residential building in Doha on October 9, where senior Hamas leaders were reportedly present for ceasefire discussions related to the Gaza conflict. The attack resulted in six deaths, including a Qatari security officer. No senior Hamas figures were reported injured.

Netanyahu acknowledged the attack as a violation of Qatari sovereignty and conveyed his condolences for the loss of life. He emphasized that the intention had been to strike Hamas operatives, not Qatari personnel.

Qatar’s leadership welcomed the apology, with Prime Minister Al Thani describing it as a necessary step toward reducing regional tensions. Qatar reaffirmed its readiness to play a constructive role in promoting stability and security in the Middle East.

The strike had drawn strong criticism from across the region, with concerns that the escalation could derail ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu’s apology is seen as an attempt to repair strained diplomatic ties while keeping focus on Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas.