Newsletters
A wave of international condemnation swept across the Middle East and beyond Tuesday following Israel's unprecedented airstrike on Hamas political leaders in Qatar's capital, with governments denouncing the operation as a violation of sovereignty and threat to regional stability.
Israeli Military confirmed conducting "Operation Summit of Fire" in Doha's Al-Waab district, targeting senior Hamas officials including Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashal during what was reportedly a cease-fire negotiation meeting. The strike marked the first direct Israeli military action on Qatari soil, prompting Qatar to immediately suspend its mediation role in Israel-Hamas talks.
Qatar led the regional response with its strongest diplomatic language, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari calling the attack a "cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas." The ministry said the strike "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 United Arab Emirates quickly followed with its own condemnation, with Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stating: "The UAE stands in full solidarity with Qatar and supports all measures to protect its security. [The attack] warns that continued military escalation risks dragging the region into deeper instability, with catastrophic consequences for global peace and security."
Saudi Arabia also denounced the attack through state media, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly communicating directly with Qatari officials to emphasize solidarity with Doha.
Türkiye's Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as evidence that "Israel's intent to continue war rather than pursue peace," stating that the targeting of Hamas negotiators "shows Israel aims to sustain war, not achieve peace." The ministry added that Qatar's inclusion in "Israel's list of targeted countries demonstrates Israel's expansionist policy in the region and adoption of terrorism as state policy."
Iran's Foreign Ministry described the attack as "dangerous" and a "violation of international law," while Iraq's Foreign Ministry called it a "cowardly act" and violation of Qatar's sovereignty, reaffirming "full support for Qatar in confronting any aggression that threatens its security and stability."
Jordan similarly denounced the operation as a violation of international law, with officials expressing solidarity with Qatar's mediation role.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered sharp criticism of the strikes, calling them a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar." Speaking at a media briefing, Guterres emphasized Qatar's "very positive role to achieve a ceasefire and release of all hostages."
The condemnation marked a rare direct rebuke from the UN chief regarding Israeli military operations outside traditional conflict zones.
A White House official confirmed to AFP that Israel notified the United States before conducting the strikes, stating "we were informed in advance." The disclosure raised questions about American diplomatic coordination, particularly given the U.S. Embassy in Doha's immediate shelter-in-place order for American citizens following the explosions.
Hamas described the attack as an "assassination attempt" on its negotiating team and vowed retaliation, accusing Israel of sabotaging peace talks. Islamic Jihad, Hamas's ally, condemned the targeting as "a blatant criminal act that violates all human standards and values."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the operation as retaliation for recent attacks and necessary to eliminate Hamas leadership, with the military stating the targeted leaders "are directly responsible for carrying out the Oct. 7."
1 min read
3 min read
