Credited from: DAWN
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met with US President Donald Trump in New York following an Israeli airstrike in Doha that targeted Hamas leaders. The strike resulted in the deaths of five Hamas officials and a Qatari security official, prompting widespread condemnation from Arab states and complicating ongoing ceasefire negotiations for Gaza, according to Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
During the dinner, Trump conveyed his frustration over the Israeli attack to Netanyahu, indicating that he hoped to prevent similar actions in the future. Rubio reinforced this sentiment, asserting that while the US-Israel relationship remains strong, the strike was unwelcome. He noted the need for discussions on its implications for ceasefire efforts, according to Dawn, India Times, and TRT World.
Rubio's visit to Israel coincides with a significant escalation in Israeli military actions in Gaza, which have reportedly killed over 64,000 people since October 2023. In light of the ongoing conflict, Rubio emphasized the need to secure the release of Israeli hostages and maintain humanitarian support for Gaza, as tensions in the region mount and international calls for accountability against Israel increase, as reported by AA, BBC, and Channel News Asia.
As the diplomatic leaders grapple with the fallout from the Israeli strike, Arab nations, where sentiments against Israel have intensified, plan to unite at an emergency summit in Doha. This gathering showcases regional solidarity against what Qatar's PM described as "double standards" in the international response to Israel's actions, according to Al Jazeera, NPR, and Los Angeles Times.
Local hospitals in Gaza reported that Israeli assaults continue to exacerbate humanitarian crises in the region, with many families suffering from malnutrition and displacement. Reports highlight that many civilians remain trapped by ongoing military operations, raising urgent calls for international intervention and relief efforts, as documented by Jakarta Post and SCMP.