Paris: A French official confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned recent Israeli airstrikes in Doha, Qatar, in a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. These strikes, which targeted Hamas leadership in a residential area, were called “unacceptable” by Macron, who also reaffirmed France’s support for Qatar’s sovereignty and security.
The meeting, held in Paris, followed Israel’s Tuesday airstrikes, an unprecedented military operation within the territory of a major U.S. ally and mediator in Gaza truce talks. While Hamas claimed its negotiating delegation survived, the strike resulted in the deaths of six people, including a Qatari security officer and the son of a top Hamas official.
Macron praised Qatar’s role in mediation efforts and stated that negotiations for a truce in Gaza and the release of hostages will continue “without delay.” He emphasized that France is working with international partners for a two-state solution, with a summit planned for September 22 in New York. The French president also cautioned against the conflict spreading to other parts of the region.
The Israeli military claimed full responsibility for the attack, which it named “Summit of Fire,” and asserted it was part of its campaign against Hamas leadership. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs harshly condemned the strikes as a “cowardly” and “criminal assault” and a violation of international law. The attack has also drawn strong condemnation from other nations, including India.
