Top German diplomat: Israel's attack in Qatar endangers hostages

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has strongly condemned the Israeli attack on the Hamas leadership in Qatar.

"Israel's attack in Doha not only violates Qatar's territorial sovereignty, but also jeopardizes all our efforts to release the hostages. This attack is unacceptable," Wadephul said in Berlin on Tuesday evening.

Wadephul expressed concern for the lives and safety of the hostages in the hands of Hamas, including German nationals.

He said he had also mentioned this to his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar in a telephone call.

"Qatar is playing a decisive role in the efforts to achieve a ceasefire and release the hostages," the top German diplomat said.

"I urgently call for everything to be done now to finally bring about a ceasefire and allow the hostages to return to their families," Wadephul explained.

"It remains clear that it is up to Hamas to lay down its weapons and give up its terror against the state of Israel. The current escalation is also a result of Hamas' heinous terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023."