Doha, Sep 10 (AP) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday her intention to pursue sanctions and a partial trade suspension against Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The 27-member European Union is notably divided in its stance towards Israel and the Palestinians, making it uncertain if a majority will support the proposed sanctions and trade actions.
In Qatar, emergency teams are sifting through debris after an Israeli strike targeted Hamas political leaders who gathered in the country, which is rich in energy resources, to deliberate on a U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza. The attack on Tuesday, which occurred on U.S.-allied territory, has been widely condemned by several Middle Eastern nations and others worldwide.
Hamas stated that all its leaders survived the strike, but acknowledged the deaths of five lower-ranked members. Qatar reported that a member of its Internal Security Force was killed, and others were injured in the attack.
Recent updates:
Five Palestinians die from malnutrition-related issues. The Gaza Health Ministry reported on Wednesday that five people, including a child, died from malnutrition-related causes within 24 hours, raising the overall toll to 404, including 141 children, since the war began. This tally includes 126 Palestinians — 26 of whom are children — who have died of malnutrition-related causes since international experts declared a famine in Gaza City on August 22.
UAE leader visits Qatar. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and leader of the United Arab Emirates, traveled to Qatar on Wednesday, a day after Israel's attack on Hamas' political leadership there. This visit may highlight the UAE's increasing discomfort with Israel. Recently, the Emirates warned Israel that annexing the West Bank, part of land sought by Palestinians for their future state, would jeopardize the 2020 Abraham Accords. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar received Sheikh Mohammed. The two nations had previously been on opposite sides during a political dispute in the first Trump administration, where the UAE and three other countries boycotted Doha.
Israeli criticism of the EU leader. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Von der Leyen, through social media, of succumbing to pressures that weaken Israel-Europe ties and potentially embolden Hamas.
Qatar's limited options after Israeli attack. Analysts suggest Qatar's response options are limited, a factor that influenced Israel's decision to launch the assault. “Qatari officials have condemned the attack, but its options are constrained by the absence of formal ties with Israel,” Torbjorn Soltvedt, an analyst at the risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft, said. Qatar, having invested in strong relations with Washington, is wary of actions that could affect its ties with the U.S.
Israeli assault on Doha undermines negotiations. An analysis by New York-based think tank The Soufan Centre suggests that Israel's attack could jeopardize ceasefire negotiations in the Israel-Hamas conflict and its engagement with Gulf Arab states. “Striking a Gulf Cooperation Council state risks undermining the Abraham Accords and destabilizing the fragile normalization process with Arab partners,” the centre noted. The incident also raises concerns about future mediation roles, with Qatar traditionally seen as a neutral party committed to peacemaking.
Japan rebukes the attack. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, condemned Israel's actions in Qatar, stating they interfere with diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, while further destabilizing the region. He expressed solidarity with Qatar and urged Israel to resume negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Hayashi called for all involved parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize the region and encouraged de-escalation efforts.
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