Israel’s attack in Doha not only violates Qatar’s territorial sovereignty, but threatens everyone’s efforts to bring about the release of the hostages. This strike is unacceptable.

I am most deeply concerned for the lives and the safety of the hostages who are in the hands of Hamas, German citizens being among them. I expressed this concern in a phone call with my Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar.

Qatar plays a crucial role in efforts to achieve a ceasefire and the release of the hostages.

I have expressed my solidarity, as well as my gratitude and appreciation, for these efforts to my Qatari colleague, Sheikh Mohammed.

I urge that everything possible be done right now so that a ceasefire can finally be reached and the hostages can return to their families.

One thing remains clear: it is up to Hamas to lay down arms and abandon terror against the State of Israel. This current escalation is yet another outcome of Hamas’ heinous terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.