Erdogan, Qatari Emir Discuss Israeli Attack on Hamas Delegation in Doha
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday to discuss Israel’s strike targeting a Hamas negotiation delegation in Doha, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.
During the call, Erdogan extended his condolences to the victims of the attack and affirmed that Türkiye would stand by the State and people of Qatar “with all its means.” The two leaders also exchanged views on possible joint steps to be taken in response.
Erdogan separately condemned the attack in a statement published on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, denouncing it as “a blatant violation of international law” against a “brotherly nation.”
“Israel’s attack on the Hamas negotiation delegation in Qatar has once again clearly demonstrated the blind rage of the Netanyahu government and its intent to deepen conflict and instability,” Erdogan said. He stressed that Türkiye would “maintain its steadfast stance” and continue defending peace, international law, and the freedom of the Palestinian people “no matter the cost.”
Following the strikes, the Turkish Embassy in Doha announced it was closely monitoring developments and urged Turkish nationals in Qatar to follow official announcements from Qatari authorities as well as updates through the embassy’s website and social media accounts.
The Israeli strikes in Doha marked the first such attack on the Qatari capital, where Hamas confirmed its delegation had been engaged in talks over a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. The Palestinian movement reported that six people were killed in the attack, including the son of its chief negotiator and a Qatari security officer, while senior leaders survived.
Qatar, alongside the United States and Egypt, has been playing a pivotal role in mediation efforts aimed at halting Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians since October 2023.
