KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — Oil prices jumped following news that Doha, the capital of Qatar, was attacked by Israel, which claimed responsibility for targeting Hamas leaders.
At the time of writing, Brent crude rose 0.56 per cent to US$66.39 per barrel, while WTI crude gained 0.54 per cent to US$62.97 (US$1 = RM4.21).
Rystad Energy head of geopolitical analysis Jorge Leon said Israeli actions marked yet another step in the ongoing Middle East escalation.
“The risk of regional spillover is rising. Much will depend on Qatar’s response — as both a close United States ally and a key Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member, its next steps will shape the trajectory of regional dynamics,” he said in a research note on Tuesday.
He added that any fallout could intensify tensions across the Gulf and beyond, underscoring how precarious the situation has become.
“What was a fragile negotiation track now appears closed, dimming prospects for a near-term resolution of the conflict,” Jorge said.
Qatar condemned the strike on residential buildings said to house several members of the Hamas Political Bureau in Doha, calling it a blatant violation of international law and a serious threat to the safety of Qataris and foreign residents. – Bernama
