Iran Targets US Base in Qatar with Missile Strike, Trump Responds

President Donald Trump expressed his desire for the United States to "take" Gaza and establish it as a "freedom zone" during his visit to Qatar on Thursday, according to Agence France-Presse. Trump argued that significant U.S. involvement could lead to a positive transformation of the area, stating, "I’d be proud to have the United States have it, take it, make it a freedom zone." His comments come amidst intensified airstrikes in Gaza, which claimed the lives of over 50 people in a recent series of attacks on the city of Khan Younis, with reports indicating at least 13 individuals pulled from the rubble following a dawn strike. The recent violence marks a continuation of escalated hostilities in the region, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to increase military action against Hamas. Simultaneously, Human Rights Watch raised alarms about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, suggesting that Israel's actions could lead to severe consequences for the local population. Trump's trip will also include visits to U.S. military installations and meetings with business leaders in the UAE.

A couple traveling from Melbourne to Doha on Qatar Airways experienced a traumatic incident when they were seated next to the body of a fellow passenger who had died mid-flight. During the flight, the woman collapsed beside Mitchell Ring and his partner Jennifer Colin, who were on their way to Venice for vacation, as reported by CNN affiliate Nine Network. Ring described witnessing the cabin crew's efforts to revive the passenger, stating that it was "heartbreaking." After realizing they could not maneuver the body through the aisle, the crew moved the deceased woman to the seat occupied by Ring. He then sat next to the body for the remaining four hours of the flight despite other empty seats being available. Colin described the experience as “traumatic” and emphasized the need for better protocols to support customers during such incidents. A Qatar Airways spokesperson expressed condolences to the deceased passenger's family, acknowledging the incident and ensuring communication with affected passengers. Qantas Airways, through which the couple booked their tickets, confirmed they were in touch with Ring and Colin to address their concerns.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, stated that the recently negotiated ceasefire deal represents "the last chance for Gaza." He emphasized that "failure is not an option" and stressed the need for the establishment of a Palestinian state as essential for achieving lasting peace in the region. Al Thani criticized the prolonged negotiations, expressing frustration over the time it took to come to an agreement, which he described as a "waste" of the last 13 months. He argued that the root causes of the conflict must be addressed, rather than merely focusing on its symptoms. Qatar has played a significant role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas amid the ongoing conflict. The Prime Minister cautioned that should the ceasefire deal collapse, efforts would be made to renegotiate and uphold the agreement. He underscored Qatar's commitment as a "guarantor and mediator" to ensure the deal's success. Additionally, al Thani commented on the potential influence of US President-elect Donald Trump on the peace process, expressing hope that the new administration could positively impact regional negotiations. With the situation in Gaza remaining critical, al Thani called upon global leaders to exercise their wisdom and work towards a sustainable solution for both Israelis and Palestinians.