The conflict in Gaza has now spilled far beyond its borders, drawing in regional powers and sparking international outrage.
This week, Israel carried out fresh airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, only days after targeting Hamas negotiators in Qatar’s capital.
The series of attacks and counterstrikes highlight just how volatile the situation has become across the Middle East.
Netanyahu’s Warning After Airstrikes
Following Israel’s strikes in Yemen, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a stark message: “Anyone who attacks us – we will reach them.”
The Israeli military confirmed that it hit several Houthi sites, including command centers, military camps, and even fuel storage facilities.
Residents of Sanaa described the attack as hitting a hideout tucked between mountains, believed to serve as a control hub for Houthi operations.
The Spark: A Missile Attack on Ramon Airport
The latest strikes came in response to Houthi missiles fired at Israel’s Ramon Airport two days earlier.
That attack was itself retaliation for Israel’s dramatic strike in Doha, where Israeli jets targeted Hamas negotiators staying in a residential building.
The Qatar Strike and Its Fallout
The attack in Doha sent shockwaves across the globe.
Israeli aircraft flew nearly 1,500 miles, entering Qatari airspace and striking a building where Hamas officials were meeting.
The airstrikes killed five Hamas members, including the son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya, as well as a member of Qatar’s security services.
While Israel said al-Hayya was directly responsible for blocking negotiations to end the Gaza war, Hamas insisted none of its leadership was assassinated and accused the U.S. of being “jointly responsible.”
Houthis Enter the Fight
In response, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement fired a ballistic missile toward Israel, though the Israeli Defense Forces reported their air defense systems intercepted it.
The Houthis, who claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, have also been attacking vessels in the Red Sea.
Global Condemnation Builds
The strike on Doha has drawn condemnation not only from Qatar but also from across the world.
Qatar’s prime minister accused Israel of a “blatant attack” and warned his country “reserves the right” to respond.
He added that the U.S. only alerted Doha ten minutes after the bombing began.
Trump Breaks Silence
Even Donald Trump, usually a vocal supporter of Israel, criticized the strike.
The U.S. president said he felt “very badly” about the attack on a country he considers a “strong ally and friend.”
Trump added that his envoy had attempted to warn Qatar, but the alert came too late. In a message on social media, he urged for hostages to be released and called for the war to “END, NOW!”
Israel Defends Its Actions
Despite international backlash, Israeli leaders stood by the decision.
Israel’s president claimed Khalil al-Hayya was targeted because he had “the blood of thousands of Israelis on his hands” and continued to obstruct peace talks.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, doubled down on his vow to pursue anyone who strikes at Israel.
A Regional Flashpoint
The latest developments underline how quickly the Gaza war has expanded into a wider regional conflict.
With Qatar, Yemen, and even the U.S. now drawn deeper into the fallout, tensions in the Middle East have reached a pivotal moment.
Leaders worldwide are watching closely as the crisis shows no sign of slowing down.