‘Right To Respond’: Qatari PM Warns Of Measured Retaliation Against Israeli Strike In Doha

Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 05:47 IST

The Prime Minister also pushed back against claims by US officials that Qatar had been warned in advance.

Al-Thani further characterised Israel’s actions as violations of both international law and basic moral principles (AFP Image)

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has issued a strong warning to Israel following a missile strike on Doha earlier on Tuesday, calling the incident a “clear violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and an act of regional destabilisation, reported Reuters.

According to Qatari officials, the Israeli strike was allegedly aimed at a visiting Hamas delegation engaged in ceasefire discussions in Qatar. The Prime Minister condemned the attack as a “terrorist act” intended to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts and ignite further chaos in the region.

“Qatar will not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reserves the right to respond appropriately,” Al-Thani said in a televised statement. He added that the government has assembled a legal team to examine all options for response under international law.

While details about casualties remain limited, Al-Thani confirmed that there were fatalities and injuries from the attack, praising Qatari security forces for their swift and professional response. “Security forces responded immediately to the incident, in which there were dead and wounded,” he noted.

The Prime Minister also pushed back against claims by US officials that Qatar had been warned in advance. According to Al-Thani, there was a delay of at least 10 minutes between the time the message was sent and the moment explosions occurred. “By the time the communication reached Qatari authorities, the strike had already begun,” he said, rejecting assertions that the incident could have been avoided.

Directly blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Al-Thani accused Israel of deliberately provoking instability. “This attack is a message to the region that there is a rogue actor causing political chaos. Netanyahu is leading the region toward irreversible escalation,” he said.

Al-Thani further characterised Israel’s actions as violations of both international law and basic moral principles. Referring to the incident as a “betrayal,” he reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to mediating peace, especially at the request of the US.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that US President Donald Trump spoke with the Emir of Qatar following the strike. Trump reportedly condemned the attack, expressed solidarity with Doha, and urged Qatar to continue its role in mediating a ceasefire in Gaza.

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