ISTANBUL: Qatar’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Israeli strike in Doha, calling it a “blatant violation of international law”.
“This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar,” it said in a statement, according to Anadolu Ajansi.
The ministry confirmed that security forces, civil defence, and relevant authorities addressed the incident and “took necessary measures to contain its repercussions and ensure the safety of the residents and surrounding areas.”
Qatar affirmed that it will not tolerate “this reckless Israeli behaviour and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its security and sovereignty”.
Anadolu reported a senior Hamas leader told the Doha-based Al Jazeera television that the strike hit as group negotiators were discussing US President Donald Trump‘s recent proposal for Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap.
Another senior Hamas leader confirmed to Al Jazeera that the Hamas leadership delegation survived the Doha attack.
Qatar, along with Egypt and the US, have been mediating indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas on a potential prisoner swap and ceasefire deal.– BERNAMA
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