ALBAWABA- In a dramatic diplomatic shift, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized to Qatar for Israel’s controversial strike on Doha earlier this month, Axios reported, citing informed sources.
The apology was delivered today in a call with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on revisions to a 21-point Gaza ceasefire plan.
The September 9 strike, aimed at Hamas leaders, killed a Qatari security officer and triggered Qatar’s suspension of its mediation role in Gaza talks.
Netanyahu’s apology, a rare reversal, reportedly included pledges to compensate the officer’s family and assurances against future violations of Qatari sovereignty.
The move follows mounting U.S. pressure, as the Trump administration views Qatar’s role as critical to brokering a ceasefire, freeing 48 Israeli hostages held by Hamas, 20 believed alive, and ending the nearly two-year war that has left over 68,000 Palestinians dead and more than 130,000 injured since October 2023.
Trump’s call with the Emir, confirmed by the Amiri Diwan, centered on humanitarian aid and clearer timetables for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. A senior Qatari official signaled the country may soon resume mediation, with a formal decision expected in the coming days.
