The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) today launched an air strike in the Arab country Qatar, which killed five members of Hamas.

It was a bold move and will spark indignation in the Arab world. The UAE has recently taken on the role of peacemaker in the region and developed close ties to the Trump administration. 

Qatar and other Arab countries have not condemned Israeli attacks on both Gaza and Iran, and have not seen fit to view what is happening in Gaza as genocide.

President Trump wrote: “I view Qatar as a strong ally and friend and feel very badly about the location of the attack. I want ALL of the hostages and bodies of the dead, released and this war to END NOW.”

Qatar was warned by the United States that the attack was coming, ten minutes before Israeli bombs were dropped on their country. The UK was not notified of the attack.

Qatar’s capital, Doha, sustained damage as the IDF was able to penetrate the small country’s airspace with relative ease and no resistance.

The son of Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya was killed. It is believed that Israel was targeting Hamas’ top leaders who were in Qatar for a meeting.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking about the attack, said: “The days are over when terror leaders can enjoy immunity of any kind…I won’t allow that kind of immunity to exist.

“We are in the midst of a campaign to defeat Hamas and to release all of the hostages. We have delivered great blows to all parts of the axis of evil.”

Speaking to Our Today from London, The United Arab League’s Shabazz Muhammad said: “Israel is preparing to subdue and subjugate the Arab and Persian world. There can be no doubt that with America’s help, it has become emboldened.

“The attack on Qatar means that Arabia’s cosy friendship with America means nothing. People living in Dubai are not safe from Israeli attacks. The Muslim world must come together and respond to this outrage. We expect support from our Caribbean friends.”

President Trump quickly distanced himself from the fallout, saying, “This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu. It was not a decision made by me. I view Qatar as a strong ally. I must say eliminating Hamas is a worthy goal.

“I have assured Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other Qatari officials that such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”

Earlier this year, the Qataris gifted President Trump a $400 million Boeing 747 jet.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt, said: “Hamas, very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha. Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the US that is working very hard in bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals.”