Breaking: Trump Approved Israel’s Targeted Strike on Hamas Leadership in Doha, Reveals Aleef Sabbagh
As the fallout from Israel’s recent strike on Hamas leaders in Doha unfolds, significant questions arise regarding the future of ceasefire negotiations and Qatar’s role as a mediator. The September 9 attack, which coincided with the commencement of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, has cast new doubts on Washington’s effectiveness as a broker and has highlighted the precariousness faced by Arab capitals involved in sensitive discussions.
In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Palestinian political analyst Aleef Sabbagh, based in Quds (Jerusalem), delves into Israel’s overarching objectives, the complicity of the United States, the dangers confronting host countries, and the potential implications for regional diplomacy, particularly as Gaza remains a focal point of global concern.
Impact of Israel’s Strike on Ceasefire Negotiations
Sabbagh believes that Israel’s attack will indeed disrupt ongoing mediation efforts and ceasefire negotiations in the region, potentially causing a temporary halt lasting days or even weeks. The Qatari Prime Minister has announced a “suspension” of Qatar’s mediation efforts. The path forward for negotiations could unfold in one of two ways:
- Shift to Cairo: Israel and the U.S. may attempt to relocate negotiations to Cairo, aiming to undermine Qatar’s influence. However, it is anticipated that both Egypt and Hamas will resist this shift at the present time.
- UN Involvement: Alternatively, the backlash from the attack could lead to the U.S. and Israel being sidelined in favor of the United Nations, which would assume the role of mediator with a special envoy from the Secretary-General. This scenario hinges on an international consensus and a unified demand from Palestinian and Arab states.
The pressing question remains: Will Arab nations take the bold step of initiating this change, or will they cower in fear of provoking the United States?
Israel’s Strategy Towards Hamas and Resistance
When asked if this strike signifies a shift in Israel’s strategy towards Hamas, Sabbagh asserts that Israel’s approach remains unchanged. The Israeli strategy does not target any specific organization but rather aims to undermine the Palestinian identity and existence as a whole. The government led by Netanyahu is willing to employ military, political, and economic means to achieve what they refer to as “absolute victory,” a term frequently associated with extermination in Hebrew.
International Reactions to the Attack
The international response has been telling, particularly from Arab nations and the United States. While the U.S. sought to distance itself from the attack, the facts have surfaced, revealing a different narrative. Trump acknowledged some involvement, stating, “I was involved in the operation; the planes were in the air, and I informed the leadership in Qatar,” yet subsequent evidence contradicted this claim.
Netanyahu attempted to absolve Trump of responsibility, but the credibility of the U.S. as a mediator has suffered immensely, leaving it recognized as a party complicit in aggression against Palestinians. Europe has expressed condemnation, yet it remains hesitant to act more decisively than the Arab nations themselves, awaiting tangible actions rather than mere rhetoric.
Risks for Host Countries
Arab and Islamic nations must grasp that Israel disregards the sovereignty of any state as long as it receives backing from the U.S. Even if such support isn’t publicly acknowledged, Israel’s ability to execute similar operations in Arab capitals is a looming threat.
The Future of Qatar’s Role in Mediation
Qatar’s reputation as a mediator will likely suffer, especially given its historical role in facilitating negotiations aligned with U.S. interests. Following the recent attack, Hamas leadership may contemplate relocating to Turkey for safety, which would diminish Qatar’s standing in the region.
Regional Unity vs. Division
When assessing whether this strike will foster regional unity or exacerbate divisions, Sabbagh refrains from making predictions. He posits that the operation should compel Arab nations, particularly those in the Persian Gulf, to enact protective measures for their sovereignty. However, entrenched economic and military ties with the U.S. complicate this scenario, as these regimes are often viewed as compliant rather than independent.
Netanyahu’s statements regarding pursuing Hamas leaders without regard for state sovereignty, as well as other Israeli officials’ remarks about disregarding borders, highlight Israel’s contempt for Arab leaders. Such attitudes reinforce the likelihood of further Israeli aggression and diminish the prospect of any substantial Arab response beyond verbal condemnations.
The Role of International Institutions
As the annual UN General Assembly approaches, international institutions must play a pivotal role in addressing these developments. Arab nations have the opportunity to galvanize international public opinion and exert pressure on both the U.S. and Israel. However, this requires significant courage from Persian Gulf leaders, who are now faced with unprecedented threats from Israeli actions.
In summary, the intricate web of diplomacy in the Middle East is at a critical juncture, with the recent events casting a shadow over the potential for peace. As the situation evolves, the roles of various nations and international bodies will be crucial in navigating the complexities ahead.
