Israeli attacks in Doha:
The vulgar dance of global terrorism

The attacks on the residential complex of Palestine’s Hamas leaders in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on Tuesday evening was one of the most brutal assaults on the international legal system and global order which has not many parallels in diplomatic history. It was an unprovoked act of violation of the sovereignty of an independent nation, a grave and criminal move.

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the IDF attacks were planned and executed by Israel and that they took full responsibility for the same. But the triumphalism in his voice has been evaporated within 24 hours, as the criminal acts of the IDF and Israeli political leadership is exposed before the global public and the country is facing severe criticism. It appears that the adventurism of the Israeli leadership has proved to be a total disaster, as they failed to achieve any of their objectives. Instead, the Israeli leadership finds themselves liable to face criminal charges for violation of international laws.

The IDF attack was purportedly with a view to obliterate the political leadership of Hamas in Doha, who had been in the Qatari capital to discuss the latest peace proposal put forward by the United States, to find a solution to the bloodbath in Gaza. The Hamas leaders including Khalil al Hayya, the deputy chairman of its political bureau, were scheduled to discuss the peace plan, which appears to have been a trap set up by the United States and Israel to destroy the Hamas leadership in a sovereign country, which has never been a party to the disputes. In fact, ever since the 2023 October 7 actions in Israel and the capture of hundreds of Israeli hostages by Hamas when the ceaseless violence erupted, it was Qatar which acted as a mediator between the two parties helping the release of a large number of Israeli hostages in the past few months.

In fact, Qatar was carrying out this humane responsibility as a mediator, when Israel struck from behind in a most treacherous manner, making any effort to seek peace with a such a bully next to impossible. Hence Qatar has declared that they would withdraw from the peace negotiations with Israel, and this is a big blow to any future peace efforts in the Middle East. With Israel acting in such a lawless and irresponsible manner, violating international laws and diplomatic norms, there is no point in talking to such a country. The only way for the global community to deal with Israel is to treat them as international criminals and put an embargo on their entire leadership in every part of the world.

Many countries across the world, and also international organisations like the United Nations, have condemned the unprovoked Israeli attacks in Doha. But it is the responsibility of the United States, which has emboldened Israel to indulge in such wanton activities, to rein in its sidekick from going totally and irreparably stark mad in the global scene. But the United States has not done anything to end this absolute lawlessness, and the result would be disastrous for both the hegemon and its disciple. At the end of the day, justice would prevail. Israel is definitely on the path of total and unavoidable self destruction.

India also should heed to the lessons of history. On the question of Palestine and justice to its people, India did stand up for a peaceful settlement to the problem and never condoned violence. But in recent years its position had taken a more pro-Israeli stance, which has raised suspicions in the Arab world about our commitment and sincerity in the matter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s telephonic talk with Qatar Amir in the wake of the incidents is a positive step, but it is time for India to take a more proactive stance, adopting a strong position uncompromisingly condemning the attack on a friendly country like Qatar.

Elyas Muhammad Thumbe
National General Secretary