Netanyahu apologises to Qatar for Doha strike, as Trump pushes Gaza peace plan

Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologised to his Qatari counterpart on Monday for Israel’s airstrike in Doha earlier this month, a source close to him told Reuters. The call to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani came from the White House, where Netanyahu was meeting US President Donald Trump. A Qatari technical team was also present at the White House, according to a separate source.

The apology coincided with Trump’s latest diplomatic push to secure a Gaza peace proposal aimed at ending a nearly two-year-old war that has left Israel increasingly isolated.

Netanyahu’s Washington trip was his fourth since Trump returned to the Oval Office in January. The right-wing Israeli leader is seeking to reinforce ties with Washington after a wave of Western nations recognised Palestinian statehood last week in defiance of Israel and the US.

Trump, who condemned those recognitions as “a prize to Hamas,” pressed Netanyahu to endorse a 21-point plan that envisions a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages within 48 hours, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The plan also prohibits further Israeli strikes on Qatar, a US ally, after the September 9 attack in Doha targeting Hamas leaders drew criticism from Trump.

Tanks push into Gaza City
The White House meeting came as Israeli tanks pushed deeper into Gaza City in one of the largest offensives of the war, with Netanyahu vowing to wipe out Hamas in its last strongholds.

Arriving by limousine, Netanyahu was welcomed by Trump outside the White House in a sharp contrast to his frosty reception at the UN General Assembly on Friday, when dozens of delegates staged a walkout during his speech.

“I’m very confident,” Trump told reporters when asked about the prospects for a peace deal.

Scepticism on both sides
While Arab states have broadly welcomed Washington’s framework, both Israel and Hamas remain wary. Hamas’ absence from the talks has also raised questions about its viability.

Diplomats said Israel has raised objections to parts of the plan, including proposed Palestinian security involvement in Gaza after the war, the expulsion of Hamas officials, and security arrangements. Egypt, a key mediator, has voiced concern that the Palestinian Authority should not be sidelined from administering Gaza.

Netanyahu is under growing pressure from hostages’ families and a war-weary Israeli public, but risks a coalition collapse if his far-right partners believe he has conceded too much.

A Qatari delegation, which has mediated past indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, was also expected at the White House on Monday to join discussions on Gaza.