Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized to Qatar for Israel’s recent attack in Doha, which targeted Hamas leaders, following a telephone conversation with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. The call took place while Netanyahu was in Washington, where he was also meeting U.S. President Donald Trump.
This exchange comes as Netanyahu and Trump continue efforts to move forward with a peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing Gaza conflict. The U.S. has presented a 21-point peace proposal to Arab and Muslim states, and Trump’s main goal during Monday’s talks was to bridge the gaps between Israel and the Palestinians to end the nearly two-year-long war.
The controversy over the airstrike in Doha on September 9, which targeted Hamas leaders, had strained relations between Israel and Qatar, a U.S. ally. The U.S. has been pushing for a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages held by Hamas, while Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from both the Israeli public and international leaders.
The peace plan includes provisions for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and renewed dialogue for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. However, the plan has sparked concerns from both Israeli officials and Arab states regarding its details, especially the involvement of Palestinian security forces in Gaza’s future.
Meanwhile, Qatar is playing a crucial role in negotiations, with a delegation in Washington to discuss the situation. The peace proposal remains a work in progress, as diplomats from both sides aim to find common ground.
