Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Sep 10: Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon on Wednesday defended the decision to strike Hamas leaders on Qatari soil, calling it “the right one,” even as the move drew rare criticism from US President Donald Trump and triggered sharp reactions from Qatar, Russia, China and the EU.

The strikes late Tuesday killed six people, including the son and aide of senior Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, three bodyguards, and a Qatari security officer. Hamas confirmed some of its political leaders were in the building at the time but survived, branding the operation a “failure.”

Trump, distancing himself from the attack, said he was “not thrilled about the whole situation” and insisted the strike was Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision. “I view Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the U.S.,” he added. Qatar, which hosts a major US military base and has mediated ceasefire talks, said it had not been warned in advance, accusing Israel of a “grave provocation” and reserving the right to respond.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to pursue Hamas leaders “anywhere,” saying, “There is no place where they can hide.” Russia called the incident a “grave violation of international law,” while Beijing said it undermined Gaza ceasefire efforts.

The EU, meanwhile, signaled possible sanctions against “extremist” Israeli ministers over the Gaza crisis, a move Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar slammed as sending the “wrong message that strengthens Hamas.”