Qatar plans ICC case over Israeli airstrike on Doha building

(Web Desk): Qatar has announced that it will pursue legal action against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over an attack on Hamas leaders in Doha.

The announcement was made by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, in an official statement. He revealed that he had held two meetings in The Hague with ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Khan to discuss the possibility of holding Israel legally accountable.

Dr. Al-Khulaifi stated that Qatar would explore every legal avenue available to defend its sovereignty and ensure the protection of its people. “We have knocked on the doors of international justice to hold the perpetrators accountable under international law,” he added.

This development comes in the wake of an Israeli airstrike earlier this month on a residential building in Doha, where senior Hamas leaders were reportedly discussing a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Hamas confirmed that five of its members, including the son of senior leader Khalil Al-Hayya, were killed in the attack. Israeli officials also acknowledged that Al-Hayya was the target, accusing him of being responsible for the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 kidnapped.

However, some Israeli security officials expressed concerns that the strike could jeopardize hostage negotiations and ongoing ceasefire talks.

It is noteworthy that Qatar has hosted negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the past two years and has played a central role as a mediator. Following the strike in Doha, Qatar has now opted to take legal action against Israel.