After shock Israeli attack on their city, Doha’s residents voice unease

After Shock Israeli Attack Doha Residents Grapple With Fear and Uncertainty

Doha, Qatar – Six coffins, five draped in Palestinian flags and one in the maroon and white of Qatar, were laid before a packed congregation at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. Standing in the front row was Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, paying respects to those killed in an unprecedented Israeli drone strike in the heart of Doha. Among the dead was 22-year-old Lance-Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi al-Dosari, a Qatari Internal Security Forces member. His death, along with five Hamas members, came during an Israeli airstrike targeting a Hamas meeting held in a residential villa in the upscale West Bay Lagoon area — an attack that has left residents stunned and deeply unsettled. The Tuesday strike, carried out in broad daylight, marked the first direct military assault on Qatari soil in the nation’s modern history. For many, the very idea of such an attack within the capital was once unthinkable. Mohammed Asim, a 40-year-old food wholesaler from Bangladesh, lives less than a kilometre from the blast site. “I thought a house was being demolished,” he said. “Only after seeing the news did I realize what had happened.” Emergency crews responded quickly, while drones hovered over the compound late into the evening, illuminating the debris-strewn courtyard with their searchlights. The air around the scene was thick with smoke and tension, as officials sealed off surrounding roads and families peeked from windows, unsure if the threat had truly passed. The targeted building was reportedly used by members of Hamas’s political bureau, who were discussing a U.S.-brokered proposal for a Gaza ceasefire at the time. While the intended targets survived, the attack claimed civilian and security lives and sent shockwaves through a city known for its calm and neutrality in the region’s conflicts. In the days since, regional leaders have poured into Doha, offering condolences and pledging solidarity. Notable among them were UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Even U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in, describing the attack as unacceptable and promising such strikes would not happen again — though he maintained that “eliminating Hamas” remained “a worthy goal.” But among Doha’s residents, that reassurance has done little to ease the prevailing sense of vulnerability. “Israel behaves however it wants, and after a bit of harsh language, things go back to before,” said a local man who identified himself only as Mohammed. “We’ll see what Trump actually does.” The unease in the city is visible — from the increased security presence to the billboards across the capital carrying messages of resilience. At the City Centre Mall in West Bay, a massive sign bears the words of the Prophet Abraham: “Our Lord, make this land secure.” For a city that has long served as a mediator in regional conflicts — and hosts a major U.S. airbase — the Israeli strike represents a dangerous escalation. What was once a distant war in Gaza has, for many Qataris and residents alike, come crashing violently to their doorstep. Now, the question many in Doha are quietly asking: Is this the beginning of something far more dangerous — or just a warning shot in a conflict that knows no borders?

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LIVE: Israel kills 42 in Gaza, UNSC condemns Doha attack

Israel Kills 42 in Gaza as UN Security Council Condemns Doha Strike

By Kamal Yalwa Published: 12 September 2025 At least 42 Palestinians were killed on Friday as Israeli airstrikes pounded multiple locations in the Gaza Strip, including densely populated refugee camps, according to local medical sources. Fourteen of the victims were reportedly from the same family. The deadly escalation came just hours after Israel launched a targeted strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, the capital of Qatar—an attack that has drawn sharp international condemnation. UN Security Council Holds Emergency Session In an emergency session held early Friday, members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike in Doha, describing it as a violation of international law and a dangerous precedent for state sovereignty. Diplomats from several member states expressed alarm that the strike took place on Qatari soil—one of the region’s key mediators in previous ceasefire negotiations—and warned of the potential for broader regional destabilization. The Qatari government has not yet confirmed casualties from the Doha strike, but officials labeled the attack a “flagrant breach” of its sovereignty. Hamas Vows to Keep Fighting In response to both the Doha and Gaza attacks, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to armed resistance, saying that Israel’s military actions would not alter its core demands. These include: A Hamas spokesperson said the group would not be “intimidated or coerced into surrender,” and that the movement is preparing for “prolonged confrontation.” Rising Civilian Toll Friday’s strikes targeted residential areas, including al-Shati refugee camp, where several homes were destroyed. Rescue workers and civilians continued searching for survivors under the rubble well into the morning. Hospitals in Gaza, already strained by months of conflict, are struggling to treat the influx of casualties. International Response While the United States has not issued a direct condemnation of the Doha strike, U.S. Ambassador to the UN said Washington is seeking “clarification” from Israeli officials. Several European and Arab nations have urged restraint and called for renewed diplomatic efforts. This latest round of violence adds to the growing death toll in Gaza, where thousands have been killed since the conflict reignited in late 2024. The humanitarian crisis in the enclave has reached catastrophic levels, with over 80% of the population displaced and critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

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Qatar's Prime Minister Condemns Israeli Strike in Doha as State Terror, Warns Mediation in Jeopardy

Qatar’s Prime Minister Condemns Israeli Strike in Doha as State Terror Warns Mediation in Jeopardy

By Kamal Yalwa: DOHA, QATAR – September 11, 2025 Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has launched a scathing rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following an unprecedented airstrike in Doha that targeted Hamas leaders, calling the operation “barbaric” and warning it may have shattered any remaining hope for a ceasefire or the release of hostages from Gaza. Speaking exclusively to CNN’s Becky Anderson, Al-Thani accused Israel of undermining peace efforts by carrying out what he described as “state terror” in the heart of a sovereign nation engaged in ongoing mediation efforts. “We were thinking that we are dealing with civilized people,” Al-Thani said. “The action that Netanyahu took – I cannot describe it, but it’s a barbaric action.” The strike, which took place Tuesday in the Qatari capital, reportedly targeted senior Hamas figures, including the group’s chief negotiator, Khalil Al-Hayya. While Hamas initially reported five casualties among its members, Al-Hayya’s fate remains uncertain. “Until now… there is no official declaration,” Al-Thani said, when asked directly about his status. The attack also resulted in the death of a 22-year-old Qatari security officer. Al-Thani confirmed that additional casualties may be possible as authorities continue to assess the damage and account for those missing. Visibly enraged, Al-Thani reiterated the same message he delivered during a press conference shortly after the attack: “This is state terror. We are betrayed.” Ceasefire Mediation at Risk The airstrike came just hours before Hamas was expected to deliver a response to a new US-backed ceasefire proposal. Al-Thani, who had met with the family of a hostage earlier that morning, expressed grave concern that the timing of the attack may have killed any chance of securing the hostages’ release. “I think what Netanyahu has done yesterday, he just killed any hope for those hostages,” he said. Qatar has long served as a critical mediator between Israel, Hamas, and international stakeholders. However, the prime minister warned that his country is now re-evaluating its role. “Netanyahu has undermined any chance of stability, any chance of peace,” Al-Thani said. “I’ve been rethinking, even about the entire process for the last few weeks — that Netanyahu was just wasting our time. He wasn’t serious about anything.” He confirmed that Qatar is currently in “very detailed conversation” with the United States regarding its future involvement, adding that the government is “reassessing everything” tied to the mediation process. US Reaction and Diplomatic Fallout According to U.S. officials, President Donald Trump was informed of the strike shortly before it began — not by Israel, but by the Chairman of the Joint Staff, General Dan Caine. Trump subsequently directed White House envoy Steve Witkoff, who maintains close ties with Qatari officials, to brief Doha. While the U.S. has stopped short of formally condemning the strike, a spokesperson for President Trump said the administration is “concerned” by the developments. Al-Thani said Qatar has received repeated expressions of support from Washington. “I’m following up with all the US officials in order to see what kind of actions can be taken as we speak,” he said. Earlier this week, the U.S. unveiled a new ceasefire framework, which President Trump claimed had Israel’s full agreement. Qatar had pressed Hamas to accept the terms during talks in Doha, and the group was expected to deliver a formal reply Tuesday night — just hours after the strike took place. As regional tensions escalate, and the path to peace appears increasingly uncertain, Qatar’s leadership has signaled that any continuation of its mediation role will depend on reassurances that such violations of sovereignty will not be repeated.

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Israel launches airstrikes on Yemen’s capital Sanaa, day after bombing Doha

Published By Kamal Yalwa: September 10, 2025 Sanaa, Yemen – At least nine people have been killed and more than 100 injured after Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the northern al-Jawf governorate on Wednesday. The attack comes just a day after Israeli forces reportedly struck Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. Yemen’s Ministry of Health reported 118 people wounded in what it described as Israeli aggression, noting that the death toll could rise as emergency teams continue rescue operations. The airstrikes targeted several civilian and government sites, including a medical facility on al-Sitteen Street in southwest Sanaa, residential homes in the al-Tahrir neighborhood, and the local government compound in al-Hazm, the capital of al-Jawf. The Moral Guidance Headquarters was also hit, according to Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, which reported casualties and property damage. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group responded with surface-to-air missiles, claiming that some Israeli aircraft were forced to retreat before releasing their weapons. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the attack, saying its air force targeted Houthi military positions, public relations offices, and fuel storage sites used for logistics and combat support. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the airstrikes were in response to a recent Houthi drone attack on Ramon Airport in southern Israel. Netanyahu said Israel would continue to strike back against any entity that targets it, warning that anyone who attacks Israel will be pursued. This strike is the latest in a series of Israeli attacks on Yemen. Last month, an Israeli air raid reportedly killed top Yemeni officials, including Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi. The Houthis accused Israel of attempting to pressure the group into withdrawing its support for Gaza. They reiterated that their operations would continue until a ceasefire is achieved in the Palestinian territory, where more than 64,000 people have reportedly been killed since the war began in October 2023. The Houthis have also maintained a maritime blockade on Israeli-linked ships passing through the Red Sea and have launched drone and missile attacks on Israeli territory in support of Palestinians.

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Proud Aruna Bows Out to Calderano in Doha

Quadri Aruna may have concluded his campaign at the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, after a tough fourth-round defeat. The proud Nigerian succumbed to Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in a one-sided Men’s Singles clash at the Lusail Arena on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Billed as one of the tournament’s marquee matchups, the contest fell short of expectations, with Calderano displaying outright dominance from start to finish. The South American star cruised to a commanding 4-0 (11-4, 11-4, 11-4, 11-6) victory to book his place in the quarterfinals. Tactically astute, Calderano effectively neutralized Aruna’s powerful forehand—his most dangerous weapon—by forcing the Nigerian into backhand exchanges, which proved largely ineffective. Despite strategic input and encouragement from his coaching corner, Aruna struggled to find rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors that further tilted momentum toward his opponent. The 22-minute encounter showcased Calderano’s elite technique, including his blistering backhand and explosive forehand topspin, which consistently earned him points. Despite the loss, Aruna continues to make history. At 36, he remains a trailblazer for African table tennis. He became the first African to reach the Round of 16 at the ITTF World Championships twice, following his quarterfinal appearance at the 2021 edition in Houston, USA. In Doha, he was the only African to finish in the top 16, further cementing his legacy. Speaking after the match, Calderano acknowledged the threat posed by Aruna. “It’s never easy to stay at the same level in every competition, especially after winning the ITTF World Cup last month. I had to take some rest and resume training, focused because table tennis is unpredictable. Against someone like Aruna, you always have to be at your best,” Calderano said. Though his journey ends in Doha, Aruna’s impact continues to resonate. His performance remains a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.

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