An Israeli strike in Qatar’s capital, Doha, targeting Hamas officials has drawn widespread condemnation, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling it a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the attack on Tuesday, marking the first Israeli strike on Qatari soil. Qatar has played a key role as mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas and hosts the region’s largest US military base, Al Udeid.
Doha’s Foreign Ministry denounced the strike “in the strongest terms,” calling it a cowardly act.
Here are reactions from regional and international leaders:
UN Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres called Israel’s strike in Doha a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and urged all parties to focus on achieving a permanent ceasefire instead of undermining peace efforts.
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh condemned the attack as “brutal Israeli aggression” and a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, warning of “grave consequences” if Israel continues its transgressions.
Qatar
Doha denounced the strike as a “cowardly Israeli attack” and a violation of its sovereignty.
Turkiye
Ankara said the strike shows Israel has no intention of reaching peace, accusing it of pursuing expansionist policies and state-sponsored terrorism.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE condemned the “treacherous Israeli attack” and pledged full solidarity with Qatar, stressing that Gulf security is indivisible.
Kuwait
Kuwait denounced the attack as “brutal aggression by unjust Israeli forces” and expressed strong solidarity with Qatar.
Jordan
Amman called the strike a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law, warning it threatens regional and international security.
Iran
Tehran described the attack as an “extremely dangerous and criminal action” and a “gross violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law.
Iraq
Baghdad condemned the strike as a “cowardly act” and affirmed full support for Qatar in confronting Israeli aggression.
Palestine
Palestinian officials condemned the attack as a “heinous crime” and accused Israel of trying to sabotage ceasefire negotiations.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad
The group called the attack a “blatant criminal act.”
Yemen’s Houthis
The Houthis warned that Israel will target other countries if Arab and Muslim states do not unite against the “Zionist threat.”
Maldives
Male condemned the strike as “cowardly” and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for repeated violations of international law.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the strikes as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and called for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and more aid for Gaza.
France
President Emmanuel Macron labeled the attack “unacceptable” and expressed solidarity with Qatar, stressing that war must not spread in the region.
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the strike as “unlawful and heinous,” pledging firm support for both Qatar and the Palestinian people.
Hamas
Hamas described the attack as a “heinous crime and blatant aggression,” accusing Israel of trying to undermine peace efforts with US backing.
Lebanon
Beirut condemned the strike as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and urged the international community to act against Israeli aggression.
Morocco
Rabat condemned the attack as “blatant aggression” and expressed solidarity with Doha against this escalation.
Syria
Damascus called the strike a “dangerous escalation” and a “blatant violation of international law and Qatar’s sovereignty.”
Sudan
Khartoum described the bombing as a violation of international laws and voiced full solidarity with Qatar.
Egypt
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed “full solidarity” with Qatar and strongly condemned Israel’s violation of Qatari sovereignty.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The GCC denounced the strike as a “despicable and cowardly operation,” urging accountability for Israel.
Algeria
Algiers condemned the “brutal aggression” and said the attack proves Israel is not pursuing peace, warning of further instability.
Oman
Muscat condemned the strike as a “brutal attack” and breach of international law, reaffirming solidarity with Qatar.
Mauritania
Nouakchott said Israel’s actions violate international law and pledged support for Qatar’s security.
Kazakhstan
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called the strike “unacceptable” and a breach of international law, condemning it as a threat to regional stability.
Spain
Madrid condemned the bombing as a “flagrant breach of international law” and a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.
Libya
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dabaiba denounced the “Israeli aggression” and called for Arab and Islamic unity against such actions.
Italy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with Qatar and opposed any escalation that could worsen the Middle East crisis.
Germany
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the strike was “unacceptable,” warning it undermines international efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release.
European Union
The EU condemned the strike as a breach of international law and Qatar’s sovereignty, urging de-escalation and reaffirming support for a ceasefire in Gaza.