German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) engaged in a telephone conversation with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, on Tuesday, addressing Israel’s recent attack on Hamas leadership members in Doha.
According to a statement released by government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius, Chancellor Merz emphasized that the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity was unacceptable. He underscored the importance of preventing the conflict from escalating across the wider region, adding that the German government is in close contact with the Israeli government regarding the situation.
The conversation also saw Chancellor Merz expressing appreciation for Qatar’s ongoing mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Earlier Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel’s internal security agency (ISA) jointly conducted an operation in Doha targeting senior Hamas leaders. Israeli forces allege that the targeted individuals directed Hamas operations for years and bear direct responsibility for the October 7th attack. Qatar has formally condemned the Israeli action.
