Qatar denies reports of “reevaluating security partnership” with US
Qatar Denied Thursday a report by Axios citing unnamed sources saying that the Gulf country is re-evaluating its security partnership with the United States.
In a statement published by Qatar's International Media Office, it said the report is "categorically false" and a "clear and failed attempt to drive a wedge between Qatar and the US" by those who "benefit from chaos in the region".
The report cited two sources with knowledge saying that Qatar’s PM told the White House that his country would now reevaluate its security partnership with Washington after this act of “betrayal”.
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“The Qatar-US security and defence partnership is stronger than ever and continues to grow. Our two countries have supported each another for many years, and we will continue working together to promote global peace and stability,” the statement by Qatar said.
The denial follows an unusual ‘Israeli’ airstrike on Tuesday that targeted a residential compound in Doha, reportedly as Hamas leadership met to consider a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza.
The attack killed six people, including a Qatari security officer, and was condemned as a "blatant violation of all international laws and norms" by Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that "unilaterally bombing inside Qatar... does not advance Israel or America's goals," but also provided a tacit endorsement by saying that "eliminating Hamas" is a "worthy goal".
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The United States has designated Qatar a Major Non-NATO Ally, a status that grants it special military and economic privileges.
Qatar is also home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, which serves as a central hub for the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and has received over $8 billion in Qatari investment.
