Netanyahu Vows No Immunity for Hamas Leaders: Strikes Remain an Option

NETANYAHU REFUSES TO RULE OUT FURTHER STRIKES ON HAMAS LEADERS JERUSALEM, Israel - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to rule out further strikes on Hamas leaders abroad, saying they would not have immunity "wherever they are." Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, Netanyahu emphasized that every country had the right "to defend itself beyond its borders." The comments come after last week's attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, a close US ally, which drew international outrage and criticism from US President Donald Trump. "We did it on our own. Period," Netanyahu said when pressed on whether the US was involved in the strike. Rubio added that Washington maintained "strong relationships with our Gulf allies" and that the incident would not damage ties with Qatar. The attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, which resulted in six deaths according to Hamas, has sparked an international debate about the limits of military action against terrorist organizations. The White House had assured Qatar that such a strike would not happen again on their soil, but Netanyahu's comments suggest otherwise. Hamas officials have accused Israel of violating international law and breaching diplomatic norms by targeting leaders in a neutral country. "This is a clear example of Israeli aggression and disregard for the sovereignty of other nations," said a Hamas spokesperson. The incident has also raised questions about the role of US diplomacy in the region. Rubio's visit to Jerusalem comes less than a week after the attack, and his presence at the press conference was seen as an attempt to reassure allies that Washington remains committed to regional stability. Netanyahu's stance on further strikes against Hamas leaders has sparked concern among human rights groups and international observers. "The Israeli government's actions are a clear indication of its willingness to disregard international law and ignore the consequences of its actions," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. As tensions in the region continue to escalate, Netanyahu's comments have left many wondering what the future holds for US-Israel relations and the prospects for peace in the Middle East. *Reporting by Bbc.*