World leaders, the United Nations, and political analysts have strongly condemned Israel’s unprecedented airstrike on Doha, the capital of Qatar, which targeted senior Hamas figures. Critics described the attack as a violation of international law and a dangerous escalation of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
First Israeli Strike on Qatari Soil
The strike, which Israel confirmed was carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet intelligence agency, marked the first time the country has launched military action inside Qatar. Doha has served as a key mediator in ongoing ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas and also hosts the United States’ largest military base in the region, the Al Udeid Air Base.
Reports indicate that the Israeli attack struck residential buildings where Hamas political bureau members reside. While Hamas leaders reportedly survived, the son of one senior figure was killed. The attack coincided with a meeting of Hamas negotiators who were reviewing a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal.
Netanyahu Takes Responsibility
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed responsibility for ordering the strike, linking it to a deadly Hamas shooting in Jerusalem the previous day that killed six people.
“Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” Netanyahu declared in a joint statement with Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The statement further claimed that the targeted Hamas leaders were responsible for orchestrating the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel and for directing Hamas’ ongoing war efforts. Israeli authorities said they used precision-guided weapons and intelligence to minimize civilian casualties.
Widespread Condemnation
United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strike, describing it as a “flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” urging both sides to pursue permanent peace instead of widening the conflict.
United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office confirmed London had no prior knowledge of the operation, calling it “an entirely Israeli-led action” and warning against further escalation in the Middle East.
France: President Emmanuel Macron denounced the attack as “unacceptable, whatever the reason may be,” expressing solidarity with Qatar and its emir, Sheikh Tamim Al Thani.
Qatar: The Qatari Foreign Ministry blasted the strike as a “cowardly attack” and “blatant violation of international law,” warning Israel against undermining regional security and pledging not to tolerate threats to its sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh condemned the attack in the “strongest terms,” describing it as brutal aggression and a direct threat to regional stability.
United Arab Emirates: The UAE voiced full support for Qatar, calling the strike a “blatant and cowardly violation” of international law.
Turkey: Ankara said the targeting of Hamas negotiators during ceasefire discussions revealed that “Israel does not seek peace, but war,” accusing it of adopting expansionist policies.
Maldives: President Mohamed Muizzu labeled the attack “cowardly,” urging the international community to hold Israel accountable for repeated violations of international norms.
Lebanon: President Joseph Aoun described the strike as part of Israel’s “series of aggressions” that undermine efforts to stabilize the region.
Iran: Tehran’s Foreign Ministry said the strike was a “dangerous violation of international law.”
Nigeria: Local experts warned of global implications. Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of Nigeria’s Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, described the action as “a dangerous expansion of the crisis theatre,” urging both Hamas and Israel to de-escalate. Dr. Olalekan Babatunde, also of the institute, warned that the strike undermines Qatar’s mediation role and threatens broader regional stability.
Catholic Church: Pope Leo also reacted, calling the strike “a very serious development” and urging urgent steps toward peace.
Broader Context of the Conflict
The attack comes amid an intensifying Israeli military campaign across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the occupied West Bank. Since the war erupted in October 2023 following Hamas’ surprise assault on Israel, over 66,700 people in Gaza and the West Bank have reportedly been killed, alongside more than 1,000 Israelis.
The conflict has also claimed the lives of over 400 journalists and humanitarian workers, with Israel threatening to annihilate remaining resistance in Gaza City.
Observers warn that the Doha strike represents a new and highly dangerous phase of the war, one that could destabilize diplomatic efforts and expand the battlefield into new territories.
