Qatar Emir Meets Rubio Following Israeli Attack: Negotiations Don’t Seem Realistic Now Due to Netanyahu

SadaNews - The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussed the Israeli attack on Doha last week and the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip today, Tuesday, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majid Al-Ansari, stated at a press conference that the Emir discussed with Rubio the strategic partnership between the two countries, the Israeli attack on Doha, and the war on Gaza.

He added, "Our relations with the United States are strategic, especially at the defense level. We are determined to defend our sovereignty and take measures to prevent the recurrence of any attack."

Al-Ansari continued, "Our message to Israeli Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu is that the violation of international law without accountability will not continue," indicating that, "Negotiations (regarding Gaza) do not seem realistic now because Netanyahu wants to assassinate anyone who negotiates with him and targets the mediating state."

In turn, the U.S. Secretary of State praised Qatar's efforts to end the war on Gaza and pledged support for its security following a week of Israeli attacks in an attempt to assassinate the negotiating delegation of Hamas.

Rubio arrived in Doha from Israel, where he met with the Emir of Qatar, the Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, before engaging in talks that lasted less than an hour.

The U.S. State Department stated in a press release that Rubio "thanked Qatar for its efforts to end the war in Gaza and for returning all hostages," emphasizing the strength of the relations between Washington and Doha.

The statement added that Rubio "renewed strong U.S. support for Qatar's security and sovereignty."

Rubio's visit came on the heels of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit held in Doha, which called for countries to review their relations with Israel following the unprecedented Israeli attack.

Prior to heading to Qatar, Rubio expressed his pessimism regarding reaching a ceasefire agreement but emphasized that Qatar remains the only state capable of assisting in ending the war, which is approaching its second year.

During his visit to Israel, Rubio promised firm American support for achieving Israel's goals in Gaza, particularly to eliminate Hamas.

Rubio told journalists aboard the plane taking him from Ben Gurion Airport in Lod to Doha, "We will request Qatar to continue doing what it is doing, and we greatly appreciate the constructive role it has played in efforts to end this (war)."

He added, "It is clear they need to decide if they want to do that after what happened last week, but we want them to know that if there is any country in the world that can help end this through negotiations, it is Qatar."

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will not strike Qatar" again.

However, Rubio did not make similar statements in Israel, only mentioning during his appearance alongside Netanyahu the importance of looking to the future after the attack, without directly praising Qatar's role.

Rubio previously affirmed that the United States will continue working with Qatar to reach a defense agreement between the two countries soon.

The Gulf Cooperation Council, during the concluding press conference of the emergency summit on Monday, called on Washington to "use its influence" to curb Israel's attacks.

The United Nations condemned the Israeli attack targeting Hamas leaders, deeming it an assault on regional peace and stability.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated on Tuesday that the Israeli attack threatens regional peace and stability, urging for "accountability for extrajudicial killings."

Qatar has been at the center of diplomatic efforts to end the war that has lasted for nearly two years in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli attack last week occurred while Hamas leaders were meeting to discuss a new American proposal for a ceasefire.

Rubio told reporters before leaving Israel, "The Israelis have begun carrying out operations there (in Gaza). Therefore, we believe we have a very short window to reach an agreement. We no longer have months; it could be days or a few weeks."

Following the meeting between Rubio and Netanyahu, intense Israeli bombardment targeted the city of Gaza on the night of Monday, Tuesday, according to eyewitnesses who reported to AFP.

Doha, alongside the United States and Egypt, has led repeated rounds of mediation to end the Israeli war on Gaza. Qatar is also a key ally of Washington and hosts the largest American base in the region.