Israel strikes Qatar, tarnishing US "reputation"

Yesterday, Israel struck senior Hamas leaders in Qatar. The fate of the movement's representatives in Doha was initially unknown.

Western media later reported that the son of Hamas's chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, and his office manager were killed in the attack. A Qatari security official was also killed.

Experts say that although Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu took responsibility for the attack on Doha, the incident could be a major blow to the US's reputation in the region.

It is noted that Qatar is home to the largest US military base, Al-Udeid. The fact that a major foreign special operation was carried out in the area where this strategic facility is located shows the US's inability to ensure the security of an ally. This is also a clear signal for the Gulf states, Saudi Arabia and the UAE: American security systems and mutual assistance agreements do not work against their close allies.

Such Israeli moves could also damage US diplomatic initiatives. In particular, Qatar, which has been acting as a mediator in negotiations mainly on the release of hostages and a ceasefire, was struck yesterday at a time when Qatari mediators and Hamas leaders were discussing the next US peace proposal.

Washington was left in a difficult position: either the US administration was unaware of the incident and failed to stop Israel, or it was aware and did not want to warn the Qataris. In both cases, the US is seen as a country that cannot control its ally or is pursuing a treacherous policy itself.

It should also be noted that the Hamas political bureau in Doha was opened with the support of the Obama administration. Furthermore, the Hamas Political Council includes US citizens - which raises serious questions for the White House (i.e., Trump authorized the killing of his own citizens).