U.S. Rep. Sherman Urges Qatar to Disavow MP's Claim That Hamas Attack Marks 'Beginning of the End' for Israel

U.S. Representative Brad Sherman has called on Qatar to disavow a statement made by Qatari MP Issa Al-Nasr, who claimed that the October 7 attack by Hamas marks the beginning of the end for Israel. The attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,170 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 34,454 people in Gaza, mostly women and children.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to reach a long-sought-after truce and hostage-release deal in Gaza, with Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. trying to mediate a new ceasefire. The U.S. has urged Israel to refrain from invading the city of Rafah, which could lead to massive civilian casualties. For the first time, Israeli leaders have suggested they are open to discussing an end to the war after hostages are released, expressing a willingness to discuss the "restoration of sustainable calm" in Gaza.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the U.N. warning of impending famine. The international community is increasing pressure on both sides to reach a ceasefire agreement and prevent further bloodshed and suffering.

Qatar has been a key intermediary in the Israel-Hamas war, hosting Hamas headquarters in Doha. However, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari expressed disappointment in both Hamas and Israel, saying each side has made decisions based on political interests rather than the good of civilians. Al-Ansari stated that the cease-fire negotiations have "effectively stopped," with "both sides entrenched in their positions."

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterating the U.S. opposition to Israel's planned invasion of Rafah on humanitarian grounds. The growing international pressure is meant to avert an Israeli attack on the city, where more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million population is seeking shelter. The war, now in its seventh month, was sparked by Hamas's attack on October 7, which killed 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians, according to Israeli authorities.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. Rep. calls on Qatar to disavow Hamas MP's claim of Israel's demise
• Truce and hostage-release deal negotiations underway, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, U.S.
• Ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict leads to devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza
• Qatar disappointed in both Hamas and Israel, says ceasefire talks have "effectively stopped"
• U.S. opposes Israel's planned invasion of Rafah, seeks to avert civilian casualties