Netanyahu Apologizes to Qatar Over Deadly September Airstrike in Doha

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized to Qatar’s Prime Minister for the September 9 airstrike on Doha that killed several Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, a diplomatic source told Reuters.

The Israeli strike targeted senior Hamas political leaders who were in Doha for ceasefire negotiations with Israel, according to officials. Hamas later confirmed that five of its members were killed in the attack, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s exiled Gaza chief and lead negotiator. Hamas described the incident as an “assassination attempt” against its negotiation team, accusing Israel of trying to derail peace efforts.

Qatar strongly condemned the airstrike, calling it “treacherous” and an act of “state terrorism.” Doha warned that such actions could undermine the mediation role it has been playing in indirect talks between Hamas and Israel. One member of Qatar’s security force was also killed in the attack, deepening tensions between the Gulf state and Israel.

At the time, then-U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the Israeli strike, saying he was “very unhappy about every aspect” of the unilateral operation against a major Washington ally. Despite Washington’s disapproval, Israel defended its actions as legitimate, claiming Hamas leaders remain legitimate military targets.

The rare apology from Netanyahu marks a significant diplomatic step, as Israel seeks to mend ties with Qatar while regional powers push to revive fragile peace talks. Analysts, however, caution that the deaths of Hamas officials and a Qatari officer could complicate Doha’s willingness to continue mediating between the two sides.