Qatar Condemns Israeli Strike in Doha as Cowardly Attack on Sovereignty

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned an Israeli airstrike that targeted a residential building in the capital, Doha, which was reportedly housing Hamas officials. The attack, described by Qatari authorities as a “cowardly” act, marks the first known Israeli strike on Qatari soil.

In an official statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari called the attack a “flagrant violation of international law” and warned that Qatar would not tolerate such aggression.

“The State of Qatar affirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and its continued tampering with regional security,” al-Ansari said, adding that investigations are ongoing and further details will be released.

Casualties Confirmed

Qatar’s Interior Ministry confirmed the death of Corporal Bader Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi Al-Dosari, a member of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), who was killed while on duty at the targeted site. Several other security personnel were reportedly injured.

Israel Confirms Operation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the strike, stating it was a “wholly independent Israeli operation” targeting top Hamas leaders.

“Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” Netanyahu said on social media.

The targeted building, located in a densely populated area of Doha, is surrounded by residential units and several foreign embassies. The explosions were felt across the city.

Hamas Leadership Survives

Despite the strike, Hamas officials confirmed that the group’s leadership survived what they described as an “assassination attempt.” The attack reportedly took place while Hamas negotiators were meeting to discuss a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

Suhail al-Hindi, a senior Hamas official, labeled the strike a “cowardly assassination attempt” in remarks to Al Jazeera.

Qatar’s Role in Mediation Undermined

Qatar has long played a key role in mediating ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas, often working in partnership with Egypt and the United States. The targeted Hamas office in Doha was reportedly established at the request of the U.S. to facilitate diplomatic efforts.

Al Jazeera correspondent Osama Bin Javaid noted the unprecedented nature of the strike, stating, “This is not a country at war. This is a country trying to establish peace.”

Wider Conflict Escalates

The attack in Doha comes amid escalating regional tensions. Israel continues to conduct military operations across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the occupied West Bank. According to rights groups, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed over 64,000 people since October 2023, prompting the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on war crimes charges.

This latest strike is being viewed as a dangerous escalation, with potential implications for diplomatic mediation and regional stability.