The Hindu editorial on 12/09/2025 “Reckless escalation: On Israel’s attack on Qatar” critiques Israel’s September 9, 2025 air strike on Qatar as a dangerous escalation that undermines regional stability and peace prospects in Gaza. The attack, targeting Hamas leaders reportedly engaged in ceasefire discussions, violated the sovereignty of a U.S. ally that hosts America’s largest military base in West Asia and serves as a key mediator in negotiations.
The editorial situates the incident within Israel’s broader military campaign since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault, which has included devastating Gaza and striking Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. By attacking Qatar, Prime Minister Netanyahu not only demonstrated disregard for mediation efforts but also revealed his political calculation to prolong the Gaza war, as a ceasefire could destabilize his government.
The strike drew widespread global condemnation, including rare disapproval from U.S. President Trump, who has otherwise supported Israel’s actions. It also jeopardizes the fragile Arab-Israel normalization process, particularly with Saudi Arabia, which has already stalled normalization efforts after October 7. The editorial argues that Trump’s inability or unwillingness to restrain Israel—despite allegations of war crimes and genocide—exposes the limits of U.S. influence.
From an Indian perspective, the conflict poses significant risks, given India’s energy dependence on the Gulf and the presence of millions of Indian expatriates in the region. While Prime Minister Modi condemned the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty without naming Israel, the editorial urges India to adopt a more forthright stance, aligning with regional and global powers to restore stability in West Asia.
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