Qatar Condemns Israeli Airstrike in Doha as ‘Cowardly Attack’ After Hamas Leaders Killed

 

Qatar has condemned an Israeli airstrike on its capital city, Doha, as a “cowardly attack” and a violation of international law, after several senior Hamas figures were killed in a targeted bombing on Tuesday.

The strike, which rocked a residential area in central Doha, is the first known Israeli military operation inside Qatari territory, marking a significant and provocative escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that six people were killed, including five Hamas members and one Qatari internal security officer, Corporal Badr al-Dosari. Among the dead were Hammam al-Hayya, the son of exiled Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, and Jihad Labad, the director of his political office.

“The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the cowardly Israeli attack,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari. “This criminal assault is a flagrant violation of international law and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents.”

The attack has triggered an international outcry and raised fears about the future of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, in which Qatar has been a key mediator between Hamas and Israel.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strike, urging all parties to “work toward a permanent ceasefire, not destroy it.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the bombing as a breach of Qatari sovereignty that risked “wider escalation across the region,” and called for “an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza.”

Pope Leo, breaking with usual protocol, expressed deep concern over the attack, calling it “serious and dangerous.”

Arab leaders were swift and unified in their response:

• Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman denounced the strike as a “criminal act and a flagrant violation of international law.”
• The United Arab Emirates called it “blatant and cowardly,” escalating already tense relations with Israel.
• Egypt warned the move sets a “dangerous precedent.”
• Iraq labeled it a “cowardly act” that threatens Qatari sovereignty.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strike was a “precise operation” targeting senior Hamas officials responsible for orchestrating attacks against Israel, including the October 7 massacre.

“Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dismissing media reports that the attack was approved by the U.S.

While Donald Trump has not officially commented, reports from Israel’s Channel 12 claimed the former U.S. president gave the green light for the operation. Trump later posted on social media that the attack was “unfortunate” and “not helpful” to the peace process, though he reiterated that eliminating Hamas remains a “worthy goal.”

Hamas accused the U.S. of luring its leaders to a meeting in Doha as part of a ceasefire discussion, only for them to be ambushed. The group said none of its negotiating team members were killed but confirmed the loss of five personnel, including family members of top officials.

Qatar has hosted Hamas’s political bureau since 2012 and has played a central role in brokering previous truces between the two sides. Tuesday’s attack puts that position in jeopardy and may undermine future diplomacy efforts.

Analysts warn that Israel’s strike on a neutral Gulf state and key U.S. ally could expand the conflict, already strained by regional tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah, and U.S. military operations.

In June, Tehran retaliated against the U.S. by targeting an American military base near Doha, further complicating Qatar’s position as a broker and safe ground.

With tensions now spilling across borders, the prospects for a Gaza ceasefire appear increasingly uncertain. While Israel has vowed to continue targeting Hamas leadership “wherever they are,” Qatar has demanded an emergency UN Security Council meeting and is reviewing its diplomatic options.

International pressure is mounting for both sides to return to negotiations before the conflict spirals further out of control.