Israel targeted Hamas’s negotiating team in Doha during talks on the latest US ceasefire proposal. Six Hamas members were confirmed dead, but the group’s leadership reportedly survived. The strike undermines prospects of ending the Gaza war soon.

Netanyahu’s Strategy vs Negotiation

• Netanyahu’s Priority: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is prioritising Hamas’s elimination over a negotiated settlement.
• Concerns Over Hostages: The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed concern about risks to remaining hostages.

Qatar’s Role as a Mediator

• Qatar’s Role as Mediator: Qatar has historically positioned itself as a neutral mediator, offering a “safe haven” for dialogue between conflicting parties (e.g., US-Taliban talks, and currently, Hamas-Israel ceasefire discussions).
• Impact on Qatar’s Reputation: The Israeli attack on Qatari soil, without warning, has severely damaged Qatar’s reputation as a secure location for political leaders of organizations like Hamas and the Taliban, potentially deterring future mediation efforts.

Responses

• Gulf Criticism of Israel: Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE criticised Israel’s actions.
• Emerging Regional Hegemony: There is a growing perception in West Asia that Israel is emerging as a greater regional hegemon and threat than Iran, potentially leading to Gulf countries uniting against Israel in the future.
• Qatar’s Position: Qatar is unlikely to take direct military action against Israel as it is a US ally and hosts the largest US military base in the region, Al Udeid.
• Symbolic Response: Any Qatari response is expected to be symbolic, such as protests.
• Impact on Regional Stability: The attack signifies a trajectory towards further instability in West Asia.

International Law Dimensions

• UN Charter Prohibition: Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits the use of force against another state’s sovereignty.
• Lack of UNSC Authorization: Without UNSC authorization, Israel’s actions appear to constitute aggression.
• Israel’s Track Record: Israel has a recent track record of strikes in Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, disregarding international law.

Wider Context of the Attack

• Military Front: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) preparing to seize Hamas’s last stronghold in Gaza amid worsening humanitarian crisis.
• Domestic Dissent: Rising protests in Israel demanding an end to the war and immediate hostage release.
• Diplomatic Pressure: UN General Assembly session where major Western nations may recognise Palestine.

Conclusion

If Israel’s strike on Qatar signals anything, it is that the Netanyahu government has little regard for international opinion or domestic dissent. Its overriding objective appears to be the continuation of the war and its expansion to new fronts.

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