Qatar's prime minister on Sunday denounced Israel's attack on Doha that targeted Hamas leaders, as Arab and Muslim foreign ministers convened to discuss a potential unified response. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who also serves as foreign minister, said the strike — which killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer — was "an attack on the principle of mediation itself." "This attack can only be described as state terrorism, an approach pursued by the current extremist Israeli government, which flouts international law," Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that the assault came as Qatar was hosting ceasefire negotiations with Israel's knowledge. He urged the international community to hold Israel accountable: "It is time ... to stop applying double standards and punish Israel for all the crimes it has committed." Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit also condemned Israel, warning that "silence in the face of a crime ... paves the way for more crimes." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike, writing on X that Hamas leaders in Qatar "blocked all ceasefire attempts" and were "the main obstacle" to releasing Israeli hostages. Hamas official Bassem Naim said the group hopes Monday's Arab-Islamic summit in Doha will produce "a unified and decisive stance" on the war. The war in Gaza has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, local health officials say. Israel estimates 48 hostages remain in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive. The conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251. — Agencies
