Washington, DC – Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued a statement on Israel’s unilateral strike in Qatar.
“After speaking with both Ambassador Yechiel Leiter of Israel and Ambassador Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, I remain deeply concerned by recent developments in the Middle East. As I have said before, securing a ceasefire, ensuring the release of all remaining hostages, and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza through time-tested and effective mechanisms remains essential to ensuring long-term peace in the region. Israel’s decision to take unilateral action to strike Hamas officials in Qatar—while they were negotiating details of a ceasefire agreement—do not bring us closer to that goal.
“I am deeply grateful for the role that Qatar has played as a key intermediary in ceasefire talks—at the request of both the United States and Israel—in an effort to secure the release of all hostages and ensure the delivery of aid to innocent Palestinians in Gaza. As a Major Non-NATO Ally, Qatar has been a vital partner in the region, including through hosting U.S. military personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base.
“It is essential for the war in Gaza to end and for all hostages to be returned to their loved ones. Only that will allow us to again chart a path toward a peaceful Middle East, which can only be made possible through a two-state solution. I urge Israel, the Trump administration, and our Arab partners to stay committed to diplomatic efforts and avoid dangerous escalations that set back the cause of peace.”
“After speaking with both Ambassador Yechiel Leiter of Israel and Ambassador Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, I remain deeply concerned by recent developments in the Middle East. As I have said before, securing a ceasefire, ensuring the release of all remaining hostages, and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza through time-tested and effective mechanisms remains essential to ensuring long-term peace in the region. Israel’s decision to take unilateral action to strike Hamas officials in Qatar—while they were negotiating details of a ceasefire agreement—do not bring us closer to that goal.
“I am deeply grateful for the role that Qatar has played as a key intermediary in ceasefire talks—at the request of both the United States and Israel—in an effort to secure the release of all hostages and ensure the delivery of aid to innocent Palestinians in Gaza. As a Major Non-NATO Ally, Qatar has been a vital partner in the region, including through hosting U.S. military personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base.
“It is essential for the war in Gaza to end and for all hostages to be returned to their loved ones. Only that will allow us to again chart a path toward a peaceful Middle East, which can only be made possible through a two-state solution. I urge Israel, the Trump administration, and our Arab partners to stay committed to diplomatic efforts and avoid dangerous escalations that set back the cause of peace.”