Doha, Abu Dhabi, Capitals – Agencies
The Israeli airstrike on Qatar has sparked unprecedented outrage and condemnation. The United Arab Emirates underscored that this blatant attack is a serious violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter, warning of the potential consequences for regional security. Condemnations have poured in from various Arab, regional, and international capitals, highlighting the threat posed by the attack to peace and stability, and calling for the international community to take responsibility.
Israel launched an air raid targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, with the Qatari government announcing that the strike hit residential buildings belonging to several members of Hamas’s political bureau in Doha.
The Qatari News Agency released a statement indicating that security forces, civil defense, and relevant authorities responded promptly to manage the incident and ensure the safety of residents and surrounding areas.
The statement affirmed that this criminal act is a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, posing a grave threat to the safety and security of both Qataris and residents in the country. The Qatari Interior Ministry reported that one member of the Qatari security forces was killed in the attack, with several others injured.
The Israeli military declared that it executed targeted airstrikes on high-ranking Hamas leaders in Doha. They stated they aimed specifically and accurately at Hamas leadership, without disclosing the attack’s exact location. However, a military official later confirmed the strikes took place in Doha, naming the operation “Summit of Fire.”
A White House official confirmed that Israel had informed the United States beforehand about the air strikes against Hamas leaders in Qatar, with the official speaking on condition of anonymity, stating, “We were informed in advance.”
The White House made it clear that President Donald Trump did not endorse Israel’s decision to carry out attacks within Qatari territory. Later, Press Secretary Caroline Levitt told reporters that while eliminating Hamas is a valuable goal, executing a strike in Doha does not serve the objectives of either Israel or the United States.
A Hamas source revealed that the movement’s senior leadership was unharmed during the attack, noting that the assault resulted in the death of Hamam Khalil al-Hayya, the son of the movement’s political bureau chief in Gaza, along with Jihad Labad, the director of Khalil al-Hayya’s office.
In a prompt reaction to the attack, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, condemned the Israeli aggression against the brotherly state of Qatar in the strongest terms.
He stressed that this reckless attack represents a severe violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, constitutes a serious breach of international law and the United Nations Charter, and an irresponsible escalation that threatens regional and international security and stability.
He also expressed the UAE’s full solidarity with Qatar and unwavering support for measures that protect its safety and the well-being of its citizens and residents, while emphasizing the imperative of immediately halting military escalations, warning that such aggressive acts could undermine regional security and lead to dire consequences for global peace.
He urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to assume its legal and moral responsibilities to deter Israel and put an end to its barbaric assaults, asserting that the continuation of such aggressive behavior reflects a reckless conduct that will push the region towards further tension and escalation.
The UAE expressed its solidarity with Qatar, offering heartfelt condolences to the family of the slain security officer. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the people and leadership of Qatar.
In addition, the UAE reiterated its wishes for a swift recovery for the injured, reaffirming its complete solidarity with Qatar in facing any threats to its security and stability. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also condemned the criminal Israeli attack during a phone call with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed the kingdom’s condemnation of the blatant Israeli assault on the brotherly state of Qatar, deeming it a criminal act and a severe violation of international laws and norms while affirming that Riyadh stands ready to support Qatar in its security measures.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called upon the international community to denounce the Israeli aggression and to put an end to the infringements that threaten regional stability, warning of severe consequences should Israel persist in its criminal violations and blatant disregard for international law.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II also condemned the cowardly Israeli aggression during a phone conversation with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, stating that the attack constitutes a breach of international law and underscoring Jordan’s solidarity with Qatar. He urged for mobilizing international support against such violations and emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to stop them, asserting that Qatar’s security is tied to Jordan’s.
Furthermore, the Gulf Cooperation Council expressed its support for any measures Qatar may take in response to the Israeli assault. GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi issued a statement strongly condemning the despicable and cowardly actions taken by Israel against the brotherly state of Qatar.
Al Budaiwi stated: The Gulf Cooperation Council stands united with Qatar, supporting any course of action it undertakes against this treacherous aggression that disregards all the laws and international treaties ratified by countries around the world, including the United Nations. This necessitates that the international community step up immediately and fulfill its obligations to hold Israel accountable for its dangerous and brutal crimes, deterring all its actions that destabilize peace and security in the region.
Undermining Mediation
Egypt strongly condemned the Israeli assault, calling it a flagrant violation of international law and state sovereignty, and expressing its full solidarity with Qatar’s leadership and citizens. The Egyptian presidency stated:
This assault represents a dangerous precedent and undermines international mediation efforts, threatening security and stability in the region, calling on the international community to uphold its responsibilities, cease the aggression, and hold Israel accountable. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also condemned the Israeli assault, stating that the aggression against Qatar constitutes a blatant violation of international law and an escalation that threatens regional stability and security.
Deterring Israel
Algeria condemned the Israeli assault on Doha, calling on the international community to take full responsibility in deterring Israel and halting its crimes against the Palestinians.
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its strong condemnation of the Israeli attack, describing it as a cowardly act and a serious violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, threatening its security and stability. The ministry emphasized the need for the international community to take responsibility and put an end to these aggressive actions.
The Syrian government expressed complete solidarity with Qatar, stating that the attack represents a serious escalation that undermines regional security and stability, reflecting Israel’s repeated contempt for international laws and norms. They called for the international community to take a clear and firm stance against such aggressive practices that threaten global peace.
Violations and Expansion
The Yemeni government condemned the Israeli attack, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserting that the aggression constitutes a serious violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law and the UN Charter.
This undermines regional and international efforts to stop the war against the Palestinian people and obstructs endeavors for a fair and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli attack, stating that it reflects Israel’s expansionist policies in the region. The statement noted that targeting a Hamas negotiation delegation while ceasefire talks are ongoing indicates that Israel seeks to continue its war rather than aim for peace.
Additionally, the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Council of Muslim Elders, and the Arab Parliament vehemently condemned the Israeli aggression, labeling it as a gross violation of international law and state sovereignty.
Global Outrage
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned what he termed a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. During a press briefing, he stated: We have just received news of the Israeli attacks in Qatar, a country that has played a very positive role in seeking a ceasefire.
He emphasized the importance of all parties working to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza rather than destroying it.
Pope Francis expressed concern regarding the consequences of the Israeli attack on Qatar, stating there are alarming reports of the assault on Hamas leaders in Qatar, indicating that the situation is extremely grave.
Solidarity and Priority
In Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the Israeli attacks are unacceptable regardless of their motivations. He wrote on social media, urging that war should not extend to the region under any circumstances, expressing solidarity with Qatar and its Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the Israeli strikes on Qatar, warning that they herald further escalation in the region. He stated prioritizing immediate ceasefire, releasing hostages, and significantly increasing aid to Gaza are the only viable solutions for achieving lasting peace.
Germany also condemned the Israeli strikes, deeming them unacceptable.
Abdullah bin Zayed
The reckless attack is a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a grave infringement on international law.
The continuation of escalation undermines security and draws the region into dangerous paths with catastrophic repercussions.
Mohammed bin Salman
Riyadh is fully prepared to assist Qatar in whatever measures it takes to safeguard its security.
Abdullah II
We call for mobilizing international support against these violations and the urgent need for immediate action to stop them.
Jassim Al Budaiwi
The Gulf Cooperation Council stands united behind any actions taken by Qatar in response to this treacherous aggression.
Mahmoud Abbas
The assault is a blatant violation of international law and an escalation that jeopardizes regional security and stability.
Antonio Guterres
All parties must work towards establishing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza rather than destroying the possibility of it.
Emmanuel Macron
The attacks are unacceptable under any circumstances, and war must not spread throughout the region.
Keir Starmer
The emphasis should be on an immediate ceasefire, releasing hostages, and increasing humanitarian aid.