‘Blatant Violation Of Qatar’s Sovereignty’: Global Outrage Over Israel’s Strike On Doha

Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 22:35 IST

Qatar, which has played a central role as a mediator in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, slammed the attack as a “cowardly Israeli operation”

This frame grab shows smoke billowing after explosions in Doha’s capital Qatar on September 9. (AFP photo)

Israel’s unprecedented airstrike on the Qatari capital of Doha on Tuesday, allegedly targeting senior Hamas political leaders, has triggered a wave of sharp condemnation from world leaders and regional powers, with many calling it a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law.

The strikes, jointly carried out by the Israeli military and Shin Bet, marked the first-ever Israeli military action on Qatari soil, a significant escalation in the broader regional fallout of the Gaza war.

Qatar, which has played a central role as a mediator in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, slammed the attack as a “cowardly Israeli attack” that directly targeted residential buildings housing senior members of Hamas’s political bureau.

“This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X.

While Israeli officials have claimed the operation targeted key Hamas figures, neither the Israeli side nor Hamas has confirmed whether the intended targets were hit.

Wave Of International Condemnation

The strike has drawn swift and severe criticism from across the region and the world.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the airstrike as a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar”, adding that Doha has “been playing a very positive role to achieve a ceasefire and release of all hostages.”

Egypt, another key mediator in the conflict, denounced the attack as a “dangerous precedent” and a “direct assault on Qatari sovereignty”. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called the strike an “unacceptable development.”

Iran, a staunch backer of Hamas, described the incident as an “extremely dangerous and criminal action.”

Saudi Arabia echoed the outrage, condemning the “brutal Israeli aggression” and “blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.”

“The Kingdom affirms its full solidarity and support for Qatar, placing all its capabilities at its disposal to assist in any measures it may take,” the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry shared.

Turkey’s foreign ministry issued a scathing statement, calling the strike “clear proof of Israel’s expansionist policies” and its use of “state terrorism.”

“Targeting the Hamas negotiation delegation while ceasefire negotiations are ongoing demonstrates that Israel aims not to achieve peace but to continue the conflict,” the Turkish ministry said.

Meanwile, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas described the airstrike as a “blatant violation of international law” and warned that it posed a serious threat to regional security and stability.

The United Arab Emirates joined in, calling the Israeli action “an irresponsible escalation” that endangers both regional and international stability.

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned that Israel would “continue its brutal violations” unless the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, “takes meaningful action to deter it.”

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called the attack an “entirely unacceptable violation” of Qatari sovereignty, accusing Israel of operating outside the bounds of international norms.

“Israeli behaviour has become detached from all established international norms and the fundamentals of international law,” his spokesperson Jamal Roshdi added.

(With inputs from AFP)

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