Ceasefire Hopes Dim as Netanyahu Targets Hamas Leaders in Qatar Gaza Bombings Escalate
JERUSALEM, Sept 14 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the only path to ending the Gaza war is through the elimination of Hamas leaders — including those living in Qatar. His latest remarks have dimmed already faint hopes for a ceasefire, even as US Senator Marco Rubio prepares to visit Israel.
Netanyahu, speaking on social media platform X, accused Hamas leadership in Qatar of sabotaging all ceasefire attempts, prolonging the suffering of Gaza’s civilians.
“The Hamas terrorist chiefs living in Qatar don’t care about the people in Gaza. They blocked all ceasefire attempts in order to endlessly drag out the war,” he said.
“Getting rid of them would rid the main obstacle to releasing all our hostages and ending the war.”
Rubio, addressing reporters ahead of his trip, said the controversial strike against Hamas elements in Qatar wouldn’t damage US-Israel ties.
“It’s not going to change the nature of our relationship,” he said. “But we will have to talk about what impact this has on diplomatic efforts.”
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the bombs continue to fall.
Israel has intensified its assault on Gaza City, urging mass evacuations while demolishing high-rises it claims house Hamas operatives. The United Nations estimates about one million civilians are still trapped in and around Gaza City, many facing famine conditions attributed to aid restrictions.
“We left our home thinking it would be safer in the south,” said Bakri Diab, a father of four. “But bombing happens here too. There’s no safe place. No food. No peace.”
On Saturday, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported 32 more civilian deaths due to Israeli airstrikes. Limited access and media blackouts have made independent verification difficult.
Mounting Pressure, Mounting Casualties
Despite increasing global calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli government remains defiant. On Friday, the UN General Assembly voted in favor of reviving the two-state solution — a move openly opposed by Israel. European allies like the UK, France, and Germany joined the call for an immediate halt to the Gaza offensive.
However, Israel continues to receive steadfast backing from its closest ally — the United States. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized that Washington’s priority is still preventing Hamas from regaining control in Gaza and securing the release of Israeli hostages.
But even within Israel, pressure is growing. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused Netanyahu of being the “one obstacle” to peace, blaming him for obstructing ceasefire negotiations that could have led to hostage releases.
Since Hamas’s attack in October 2023, which killed 1,219 Israelis (mostly civilians), Israel’s retaliation has resulted in over 64,803 deaths in Gaza — the vast majority also civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
“Alarming passivity”
Brian Katulis of the Middle East Institute criticized the US response, suggesting that powerful ideological alliances — particularly with evangelical Christian groups — are preventing Washington from taking decisive steps toward peace.
“The views influencing policy are far removed from the Arab world’s mainstream,” he said.
Rubio is scheduled to visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem alongside Netanyahu this Sunday, a symbolic act amid a deeply fractured reality.