Oil prices surged significantly on Wednesday following Israel’s unusual attack in Doha, Qatar, which resulted in the deaths of multiple Hamas members and a Qatari security personnel.
The assault, unprecedented on Qatari territory, swiftly unsettled energy markets and sparked a diplomatic uproar.
WTI crude increased by 1.37% to $63.11, and Brent went up 1.32% to $66.89 as market participants considered geopolitical risks. Analysts observed that despite Qatar exporting minimal crude oil, it ranks as a leading natural gas exporter and a key participant in the Gulf’s energy framework.
The strike occurs alongside ongoing supply-side challenges, including OPEC+ production changes and U.S. shale reductions, introducing new volatility to global oil prices.
Israel Aims at Hamas Individuals in Doha.
Local officials state that the Israeli attack targeted a residential zone in Doha, resulting in the deaths of five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. The White House acknowledged that Israel had aimed at Hamas negotiators “regrettably situated in Doha,” while distancing itself from the choice.
U.S. authorities stated that President Donald Trump’s representative tried to inform Qatar in advance, but Doha claims the alert was given only after the explosions had started.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected assertions of advance notice. Spokesman Majed al-Ansari remarked that the U.S. plea arrived “amid the noise of the blasts.”
Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani referred to the strike as “state terrorism” and an infringement on Qatari sovereignty. He stated that Washington’s alert came ten minutes after the assault started.
Trump Reacts, Netanyahu Held Accountable.
Trump subsequently conveyed remorse regarding the event, reassuring Qatar that a similar attack would not occur again. He specified that the choice was made exclusively by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump stated on Truth Social, “The decision was made by [Israeli] Prime Minister Netanyahu, not by me,” stressing that his envoy’s alert “arrived too late.”
