Japan condemns Israeli attack on Qatar, urges return to ceasefire talks

Japan strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Qatar as a threat to Qatar’s sovereignty and regional security, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said. Mr Hayashi called the attack a “hindrance to diplomatic efforts” for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, expressing solidarity with Qatar and urging Israel to return to negotiations. Israel attempted to kill Hamas political leaders with an air strike on Qatar on Tuesday, escalating its military action in the Middle East in what the US described as a unilateral attack that does not advance American or Israeli interests.