Israel Targets Hamas Leadership in Qatar, Drawing Global Condemnation

Hamas

Hamas described the attack as “a heinous crime, a blatant aggression, and a flagrant violation of all international norms and laws”.

It “constitutes an attack on the sovereignty of the sisterly State of Qatar … and reveals the criminal nature of the occupation and its desire to undermine any chances of reaching an agreement”.

Qatar

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned “in the strongest terms the cowardly Israeli attack”.

“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 Ministry affirms that the security forces, civil defense, and relevant authorities immediately began addressing the incident and taking necessary measures to contain its repercussions and ensure the safety of the residents and surrounding areas.”

Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Qatar’s permanent representative to the United Nations, informed the UN Security Council in a letter that the Gulf country is “conducting investigations at the highest level” following Israel’s attack.

Qatar “will not tolerate this aggressive Israeli behavior that undermines regional security, and will not accept any action targeting its security and sovereignty,” the letter said.

Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, denied the White House claims that the US informed Qatar about the Israeli strikes before they took place.

“The statements being circulated that the State of Qatar was pre-informed of the attack are completely false,” al-Ansari said in a statement.

“The call that was received from an American official came during the sound of the explosions that resulted from the Israeli attack in Doha.”

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt had claimed earlier that after being told about Israel’s plan, “Trump immediately directed Special Envoy Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did”.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the Israeli strikes on Doha can only be interpreted as “state terrorism”.

Al Thani said Israeli PM Netanyahu has been spoiling every attempt to find opportunities for peace.

He said that beyond the illegality of the Israeli attack, attempting to kill negotiators in a country leading ceasefire negotiations is unethical and treacherous.

The Qatari PM added that Netanyahu “claims that he is achieving stability in the region, when he is only achieving instability in the region with narcissistic delusions for his personal gains”.

US

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the Trump administration was notified by the US military that Israel was attacking Hamas, which “very unfortunately was located in a section of Doha, the capital of Qatar”.

“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” she said. “However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.”

Leavitt said that Trump “immediately directed” Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatar of the attack.

Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump sees the attack as an “opportunity for peace”, despite widespread condemnation and speculation that the strike could deal a serious blow to any Gaza negotiation efforts. The White House says the two leaders spoke after the attack.

“The prime minister told President Trump that he wants to make peace, and quickly,” said Leavitt.

“President Trump believes that this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace.”

When asked, Leavitt would not expound on whether or not there would be consequences for Israel or its prime minister, nor whether Trump is upset with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

The White House press secretary claimed that Trump has assured Qatari officials that such attacks will not be repeated.

“The president views Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the United States, and feels very badly about the location of this attack,” said Leavitt.

“The president also spoke to the emir and prime minister of Qatar and thanked them for their support and friendship to our country,” she added. “He assured them that such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”

Later, Trump also said, “I immediately directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did, however, unfortunately, too late to stop the attack.”

Trump added he directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to finalise a defence cooperation agreement with Qatar.

Egypt

“The president stressed Egypt’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the aggressive act committed by Israel against the brotherly State of Qatar, affirming Egypt’s categorical rejection of any violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar,” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s office said.

Qatar and Egypt have been leading mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.

Palestine

The head of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) condemned the “heinous” Israeli attack on the Qatari capital, saying it “constitutes a serious violation of international law and the sovereignty of the State of Qatar”.

“It is considered a threat to security and stability in the region,” PLO Secretary-General Hussein al-Sheikh said in a statement.

Mahmoud Abbas condemned Israel’s “brutal” attack on Qatar, warning that the failure to halt the Israeli aggression “would have repercussions not only on the region but on the entire world.”
Abbas added that the solution lies in solving the Palestinian cause.

The director general of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Ismail al-Thawabta, said: “The ‘Israeli’ occupation committed a cowardly assassination crime in the heart of the Qatari capital, Doha, the mediating state in negotiations between the Palestinian resistance and the occupation.”

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad described the attack as a “blatant criminal act”.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s attack on Qatar “in the strongest terms”, calling it “brutal Israeli aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the sisterly State of Qatar”.

It also warned of “the grave consequences resulting from the Israeli occupation’s persistence in its criminal transgressions and its blatant violation of the principles of international law and all international norms”.

UN

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the air raids a “flagrant violation” of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar. He added that all parties to the Gaza war must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, rather than destroy the prospect of one.

Kuwait

The Foreign Ministry said the attack violated “all international laws and norms”, adding that “we renew our position calling for the Security Council to assume its responsibilities in maintaining international security”.

Jordan

Jordan said it considered Israel’s aggression “serious threat to the security of the Qatari people”. “We stand with our brothers in Qatar and fully support them in any steps they take against the aggression,” it said.

Iraq

The Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act”, and expressing “full support” for Qatar to confront any aggression.

Maldives

President Mohamed Muizzu strongly condemned the “cowardly” Israeli attack, calling it “a serious violation of international law and is a blatant infringement on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a sovereign nation”.

Turkey

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s strike, saying it shows that Israel is not interested in an agreement to end the war.

“The targeting of the Hamas negotiating delegation while ceasefire talks continue shows that Israel does not aim to reach peace, but rather continue the war,” the ministry said in a statement.

“This situation is clear proof that Israel has adopted its expansionist politics in the region and terrorism as a state policy.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s strike, saying that Turkey will take a “determined stance against Israel’s banditry”.

“Israel’s attack today on the Hamas negotiation delegation in Qatar has once again clearly demonstrated the blind rage of the Netanyahu government and its intent to deepen the conflict and instability,” Erdogan said.

“This attack, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and Qatar’s sovereignty, has also targeted the security and peace of our brotherly country, Qatar. I condemn this attack,” he added.

Pope Leo

“There’s some really serious news right now: Israel’s attack on some Hamas leaders in Qatar. The entire situation is very serious,” Pope Leo said outside the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, ANSA news agency reported.

Yemen

Yemen’s Foreign Ministry said Israel’s attack “undermines regional and international efforts aimed at ending the war against the Palestinian people” and “obstructs peace efforts” aimed at solving the Palestinian issue.

Algeria

The Foreign Ministry said Israel’s act of aggression was “brutal” and said it showed the world that “the occupier is not inclined toward peace, sees no limit to its recklessness and arrogance, and pays no attention to the most basic values, rules, and regulations adhered to by the world’s nations.”

Lebanon

President Joseph Aoun said today’s events fall “within the series of aggressions committed by Israel” and demonstrate its determination to undermine all efforts made to achieve stability and security in the region.

Hezbollah also condemned the attack as a violation of the sovereignty of the “brotherly state of Qatar”.

“This cowardly crime only proves the evil and shamelessness of the Zionist entity, which is revealing to the world a new level of criminality and its disregard for all international laws and norms,” Hezbollah said.

It added that Israel is showing its “persistence” to violate the sovereignty of other countries “whenever and however it pleases”.

Oman

It warned of the risk of a “dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region and distances it from the path to peace.” It called on the international community to “assume its moral and political responsibilities” and deter further Israeli violations.

Syria

The Syria Foreign Ministry said the attack reflected Israel’s disregard for international laws and norms.

“Syria expresses its strong condemnation of the Israeli aggression targeting the Qatari capital, Doha, and affirms its full solidarity with the State of Qatar, its leadership, government and people,” the ministry said.

Pakistan

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced solidarity with Qatar after the “unlawful and heinous” Israeli attack on a Hamas delegation in Doha.

“This act of aggression by Israel is totally unjustified, a brazen violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar, and constitutes a most dangerous provocation that could imperil regional peace and stability,” Sharif said in a social media post.

“Pakistan stands firmly with the State of Qatar, as well as with the people of Palestine against Israel’s aggression.”

GCC

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has expressed support for Qatar and condemned Israel’s attack in Doha, calling on the international community to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law.

“This requires the international community to immediately rise up and fulfill its duties to hold the Israeli occupation forces accountable for their brutal and serious crimes and to deter them from all their practices that have begun to destabilize and undermine security in the region.”

France

President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned Israel’s strikes in Qatar, saying they were “unacceptable, whatever the reason may be”. “I express my solidarity with Qatar and its emir, Sheikh Tamim Al Thani. War must under no circumstances spread in the region,” Macron said.

UK

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the strikes, “which violate Qatar’s sovereignty and risk further escalation across the region”. “The priority must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a huge surge in aid into Gaza,” he said.

Mauritania

It said Israel’s actions constitute a “flagrant violation of international conventions and laws” and called on the international community to “deal firmly and strictly with this aggression”.

Kazakhstan

It said that whatever the motives, “these actions are unacceptable” and against international law.

OIC

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has condemned the Israeli strikes, calling them “blatant violations of international law, UN Charter and global norms”.

“The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation once again calls on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to assume its responsibilities and compel Israel to end its dangerous and ongoing aggression in the region and to respect international law and relevant UN resolutions,” the 57-country bloc said in a statement.

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support for Qatar in a statement that warned against escalation but did not explicitly mention Israel.

“I express, on my own behalf and that of the Italian Government, sincere closeness to the Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to Qatar, reiterating Italy’s support for all efforts to put an end to the war in Gaza,” Meloni said in a social media post.

“Italy remains opposed to any form of escalation that could lead to a further worsening of the crisis in the Middle East.”

Germany

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticised the Israeli attack, describing it as “unacceptable”. He said it violates Qatar’s territorial sovereignty.

Switzerland

It called for the respect of international law. “Dialogue must prevail and there is no military solution to the conflict in the Middle East,” its Foreign Ministry said.

Belgium

It called for negotiations to end the war in Gaza. “There will be no military solution to the conflict and a renewed effort from all parties is needed to negotiate a ceasefire,” it said in a statement.

Ireland

Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheal Martin, the country’s prime minister, said, “This is the right time for everyone with influence to use it to the fullest extent possible to avoid escalation.”

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the Israeli strikes an “intolerable expansion of violence”.

Iran

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reacted to the attack in Qatar, saying the “only way to decisively address the recklessness of the Israeli regime is for the Muslim world to act in unison.”

“Iran stands ready to deepen cooperation in the interest of confronting threats to international peace and security,” the foreign minister said on X.

Portugal

The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli attack, “which violates the sovereignty of Qatar and increases the risk of escalation of violence in the region. We reinforce that the priority is an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages. The two-state solution is essential for a stable peace.”

Netherlands

Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs David van Weel said the Netherlands “condemns the Israeli airstrike in Doha. The sovereignty of states must be respected. Additionally, this step doesn’t bring a much needed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip any closer.”

Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, “I strongly condemn the Israeli attack on Qatar. Violating its sovereignty and territory is a clear violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter. Violence cannot continue to spread uncontrollably throughout the Middle East. It is time to return to the framework of rationality, diplomacy, and International Law.”

Cuba

Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez slammed Israel’s attack on the Hamas delegation in Doha, describing it as a “new extrajudicial execution by Zionism.”

Rodriguez also said the attack was “a flagrant violation” of international law and Qatar’s sovereignty, and a “serious threat” to regional security and stability.

Venezuela

Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry also shared a statement strongly condemning Israel’s “cowardly attack” against “Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Venezuela described the attack as “an act of state terrorism, a flagrant violation of international law, and a challenge to the principles of peaceful coexistence among nations.”

US Congress Members

Rashida Tlaib, the Palestinian-American congresswoman, renewed calls for ending US funding and the sending of weapons to Israel after the Doha attack.

“The Israeli government is again attempting to murder ceasefire negotiators, now bombing the capital of a US ally with total impunity,” she wrote in a social media post.

“It is clear they have no interest in a ceasefire to end their genocide of Palestinians.”

“This attack, which violates international law, not only further harms the possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas but it also jeopardizes the lives of the remaining hostages,” Ilhan Omar also wrote in a social media post.

“Netanyahu must be held accountable for his war crimes.”

Leftist Senator Bernie Sanders reiterated his call for the US to cut off weapons to Israel after today’s strike on Qatar.

“Netanyahu’s extremist government is completely out of control. Not only are they starving children in Gaza, they are now breaking international law by dropping bombs on Qatar, a US security partner,” Sanders wrote in a post on X.

“When is enough, enough? NO MORE US MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL.”

African Union

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, condemned Israel’s attack, warning it “risks endangering an already fragile situation in the Middle East”.

Youssouf renewed the African Union calls for “restraint, respect for sovereignty, and the protection of civilians”.

He also noted that Qatar has played a “longstanding role in peace, mediation, and diplomacy, underscoring the urgent need for renewed dialogue towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East”.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates also voiced support for Doha, condemning the “treacherous Israeli attack”.

Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE’s president, said: “The security of the Arab Gulf states is indivisible, and we stand heart and soul with the sisterly State of Qatar, condemning the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted it, and affirming our full solidarity with it in confronting this aggression.”