By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) have attacked civilian buildings in the residential areas of Doha, Qatar, which housed members of Hamas. An attack that the South African government fully condemned.
The unprovoked attack on the Qatari territory blatantly violates International Law, as well as breaching the sovereignty of the country, as this also compromises the safety of civilians which is outlined within the United Nations Charter as well International Humanitarian Law.
Hamas have said that six people had been killed in the attack, this includes Khalil al-Hayya son of exiled Gaza chief, however the top leaders and negotiating team operating within Hamas have all survived.
The strike on Qatar comes hours after the Israeli government called for citizens to evacuate Gaza in order for the IDF to take control of the remaining Hamas stronghold where people are living under increased famine conditions.
The United States were notified of the attack before it took place according to White House officials as reports of a key mediator had made attempts at reaching a ceasefire.
The White House had warned the Qatari government about the impending airstrike, and led to United States President Donald Trump having a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me,” said Trump on his social media platform Truth Social as an attempt to distance himself from these attacks on Qatar.
Qatari have expressed that these warnings only arrived as the explosions took place. The White House has taken steps to express that this attack does not align or strengthen any agendas for the United States.
“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard in bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” said White House Spokesperson Karoline Levitt.
The South African government continues to condemn Israel on their actions against Gaza and call for a ceasefire.
“The Government of South Africa calls for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people, as well as to cease military actions so that negotiations to a just peace can commence,” via a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Netanyahu has emphasised that these attacks are Israel’s responsibility alone; “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel takes full responsibility,” said Netanyahu.
“Qatar reserves the right to respond to this blatant attack and will take all necessary measures to respond,” said Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who explicitly blames Israel for interfering in peaceful talks and has said that Netanyahu has engaged in “state terrorism”.