Israel’s strike on Doha dominates the papers on Wednesday, with the Metro calling it “Netanyahu’s ‘judgement day’ for Hamas”. Officials said the operation was a “precise strike targeting the senior leadership” of the group, according to the paper.
“Israel launches attack on Hamas chiefs in Qatar for ceasefire talks” reads the headline of the Guardian, with the paper reporting that six people were killed in the strike. Hamas said in a statement that its top leadership, including the ceasefire negotiations team, had all survived. The leading image for the Guardian is a photograph of Lord Mandelson – the UK’s ambassador to the US since last year – and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, taken from a “birthday book” created for Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003.
The Telegraph says US President Donald Trump has “condemned” the strike in Doha, and feels “very badly” about the attack. According to the paper, Qatar has claimed that the strike was conducted “without the advance consultation of the United States” and it was an attempt to “undermine” peace negotiations. The White House said that the attack “on the soil of a close ally” does not “advance Israel or America’s goals”.
“Trump rebukes Israel for strikes” declares the i Paper, also leading on Trump’s comments after the strike in Doha. The paper writes that Sir Keir Starmer has also condemned the bombing for “violating Qatar’s sovereignty and risking escalation in the region”.
The Doha residential complex in the aftermath of the strike is picture front and centre of the Times, with the paper reporting that the six dead included five members of Hamas and one Qatari security official. It writes that Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “surgical precision strike” and said “the days are over when terror leaders will enjoy immunity in a particular place”.
The Financial Times also features the image of the Doha residential complex in the aftermath of the strike, paired with the headline “Qatar strike”. Its main story focuses on Sir Keir Starmer’s economic policy, and the paper says that prime minister has “tightened his grip” in an effort to avoid “another bust-up with business”.
“Every single one of us will be paying a Reeves penalty” warns the Daily Express, quoting Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch in its headline. According to the paper, Badenoch says that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will “tax anything she can lay her hands on”, and has accused the chancellor of “driving Britain to bankruptcy”.
The Daily Mail has led on Lord Mandelson’s birthday message to Jeffrey Epstein, where he called him his “best pal”. The paper says he is facing “intense pressure” over the “excruciating messages”, and critics have questioned whether his role as US ambassador “remained tenable”. An official spokesperson for Lord Mandelson told the that he “has long been clear that he very much regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein”.
“Best mates” declares the Mirror, with a photo of Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein blowing out candles on a birthday cake taking up the majority of the front page.
The Sun reports that former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace is launching legal action against the over a data protection claim. A spokesperson said: “We have not been formally notified of any legal proceedings so at this stage we are unable to comment.”
“All bets are off!’ reads the headline of the Star, with jockeys and trainers striking on Wednesday following a bet tax hike in Westminster.
