Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, stated on Tuesday, "We work closely with the US, and they provide us with immeasurable support. We appreciate that, but sometimes we have to make decisions and inform the US afterward. We don't always act in the interest of the US." This statement followed the White House's announcement that President Donald Trump disapproved of the Israeli airstrike on Qatari territory, targeting Hamas leaders. Qatar is a US ally and hosts a major American military base.
Ambassador Danon clarified, "This wasn't an attack on Qatar, but on Hamas. We are not against Qatar or any Arab country."
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Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon attends a Security Council meeting on 24/6. Photo: AFP |
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon attends a Security Council meeting on 24/6. Photo: AFP
Hamas reported six fatalities in the Israeli airstrikes on Qatar, including the son of the group's chief negotiator, but confirmed that senior leaders were safe. Qatari officials reported one of their security personnel was killed.
Danon said Israel is "awaiting the results" of the airstrike. "It's too early to comment on the outcome, but the decision to strike was the right one."
Meanwhile, Israeli media quoted unnamed officials expressing doubts about the effectiveness of the Qatar airstrike. One anonymous source told Channel 12 News, "There are currently no indications that Hamas leaders were killed. We're still hoping they were eliminated, but optimism is fading."
According to Trump, the US attempted to prevent the Israeli airstrike on Qatar but was unsuccessful. He also suggested that Israel's actions could hinder Washington's efforts to end the conflict in Gaza.
Qatar plays a key mediating role in peace talks between Israel and Hamas. The militant group's leadership has been based in Doha for many years. Doha strongly condemned the attack and stated it had not been forewarned.
This is not the first time Qatar has been caught in the crossfire of Middle Eastern unrest. In June, Iran launched missiles at the Al Udeid base in Qatar in retaliation for a previous US attack on Tehran's nuclear facilities.
Huyen Le (AFP, AP)
