Overview

• Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al‑Thani raised the apology demand directly with Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their meeting in Doha, according to two sources.
• A source familiar with the talks said Qatar could accept an apology focused on the slain Qatari security officer, plus compensation for his family and a pledge not to violate Qatari sovereignty again.
• U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was scheduled to meet Saturday in New York with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al‑Thani to discuss ending the crisis and restarting negotiations.
• The Israeli strike in Doha 10 days ago killed five Hamas members and one Qatari security officer, marking Israel’s first airstrike in a Gulf state; senior Hamas leaders survived.
• A senior Israeli official said Israel misjudged the fallout, while Netanyahu faces coalition pressures that complicate any apology as the Trump administration stresses Qatar’s role is critical for a hostage and ceasefire deal.