Qatar is one among solely two regional mediators main the only diplomatic observe attempting to convey an finish to the struggle in Gaza and the discharge of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the enclave.
The nation, which has strategically positioned itself as an important back-channel mediator for world US safety points like Iran and Afghanistan, has hosted numerous rounds of negotiations between Hamas and Israel, solidifying its function as a key diplomatic participant in regional battle decision.
Qatar hosts hundreds of US troops at Al Udeid, the Middle East’s largest American navy base, whereas additionally permitting Hamas’ political bureau to function in Doha, which Qatar maintains was established at Washington’s request a decade in the past to facilitate oblique communication channels.
Israel’s strikes on Qatar at this time are the primary identified attack on a Gulf Arab state, putting the one diplomatic path working towards a Gaza ceasefire in danger and putting better concern from Gulf Arab states over safety commitments from the US, an analyst instructed NCS.
Further complicating the state of affairs is whether or not the US had prior approval or information of Israel’s strike.
“Whether the US provided tacit approval or active facilitation … this could have potentially far-reaching repercussions on the national security calculus of the Gulf Arab states, and their relationship with the US,” AlHasan stated.
It comes as Israel earlier ordered a complete evacuation of Gaza City, house to round 1,000,000 Palestinians, forward of its controversial military takeover.