An Israeli attack in Qatar’s capital, Doha, targeting Hamas officials, has elicited swift condemnation from various nations across the region and beyond. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, labeled the incident a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the military operation occurred on Tuesday against Hamas leaders. Notably, this is the first time Israel has conducted such an attack on Qatar, which has served as a crucial mediator in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas and is home to the Al Udeid airbase, the largest U.S. military base in the region.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assault in the strongest terms, characterizing it as a cowardly act. The international community's response has been overwhelmingly negative, with various regional leaders voicing their disapproval.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for all parties involved in the Gaza conflict to pursue a permanent ceasefire instead of jeopardizing peace efforts through violent actions. He called the air strikes a blatant infringement on Qatar's sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed this sentiment, firmly denouncing the attack as brutal and an infringement on the sovereignty of Qatar. The statement affirmed Saudi Arabia's full solidarity with Qatar and warned of the dire consequences of continued Israeli aggression, which undermines international law.
Meanwhile, Turkiye condemned the attack, suggesting it reflects Israel's lack of interest in achieving peace. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “The targeting of the Hamas negotiating delegation while ceasefire talks continue shows that Israel does not aim to reach peace but rather continues the war.”
The United Arab Emirates also expressed solidarity with Qatar, condemning the Israeli attack as treacherous. Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic advisor to the UAE’s president, emphasized the indivisible security of Gulf states and pledged unwavering support for Qatar in the face of aggression.
Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned what it termed “brutal aggression against the State of Qatar by unjust Israeli forces.” Jordan's Foreign Ministry characterized the bombing as a flagrant violation of international law, warning that it poses a dangerous provocation that could escalate regional tensions.
Iran's Foreign Ministry described the attack as a gross violation of international norms, while Iraq condemned the actions as cowardly. Both nations expressed full support for Qatar amid this crisis.
Palestinian leaders also condemned the Israeli attack. Hussein al-Sheikh, the vice president of the State of Palestine, denounced the assault on Qatar, describing it as a heinous act. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad armed group referred to it as a blatant criminal act, while Hamas condemned the attack as an aggression that undermines the chances for peace.
Countries beyond the Middle East have similarly condemned the attack. The United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the strikes on Doha unacceptable and emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron described the attack as “unacceptable, whatever the reason may be.”
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labeled the shelling unlawful and heinous, affirming solidarity with Qatar and the Palestinian cause against Israeli aggression. The Gulf Cooperation Council's Secretary-General, Jasem al-Budaiwi, called it “a despicable and cowardly operation” that violates international laws.
Numerous nations, including Spain, Libya, and Germany, have also expressed strong condemnation of the Israeli attack, emphasizing its violation of Qatari sovereignty and international law. The White House, however, acknowledged the complexities of the situation, noting that the attack occurred in a section of Doha where Hamas was located, raising questions about the implications for U.S.-Qatar relations.
As tensions rise, global leaders emphasize the necessity of accountability and the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation in the region. With the international community standing firmly against the attack, the focus now shifts to diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
