Cowardly, treacherous, unacceptable: Arab states in particular strongly condemn Israel's attack on high-ranking Hamas officials in Qatar and express solidarity with the Gulf state.
The Arab world condemns the Israeli military strike against Hamas officials in the Gulf state of Qatar. The attack in one of the most important mediating states in the crisis region is likely to further escalate tensions – and further isolate Israel internationally.
Egypt called the attack in Doha an"unacceptable development." The attack was aimed at a meeting of "Palestinian leaders" that was to discuss ways to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Egypt called on the international community to act and hold those responsible accountable. The attack sets a"dangerous precedent," the office of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said. Egypt and Qatar, along with the United States, are the key mediators between Hamas and Israel.
Influential Saudi Arabia called this a blatant violation of Qatari sovereignty. The Foreign Ministry warned of"serious consequences" for the region and expressed full solidarity with Qatar. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, reiterated that the kingdom is using all means to support Qatar in preserving its security and sovereignty.
Türkiye:"Use of state terrorism"
The Foreign Ministry in Ankara, Turkey, called the attack"despicable" and "evidence of Israel's expansionist policies and its use of state terrorism." "The targeted attack on the Hamas negotiating delegation during the ongoing ceasefire talks shows that Israel does not seek peace but intends to continue the war," it said.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas criticized the"brutal attack on Qatar," which he said threatened the security and stability of the region. Jordan called Israel's actions a"cowardly aggression." Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi said on X that the attack represented a blatant violation of international law. He called the attack a continuation of"brutal Israeli aggression" that threatened the security and stability of the entire region.
Emirati presidential advisor Anwar Gargash called the attack a"treacherous Israeli attack." He added that the United Arab Emirates stands firmly by its sister state Qatar."In full solidarity with dear Qatar," Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Sajid also posted.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bakaei said on state television that the Israeli operation constituted a"blatant violation of all international rules" and a "violation of Qatar's national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Criticism from Great Britain
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Israel's attack on Doha on X, saying it"violates Qatar's sovereignty and risks further escalation throughout the region." The priority must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages, and a massive increase in aid to Gaza. This is the only solution for a lasting peace.
The British government claims it was not informed in advance by Israel about the attack. When asked about it, David Pares, the prime minister's spokesman, referred to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the attack in Doha was a sole Israeli operation.
Warning words from the UN
The new President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, called for"maximum restraint" following the Israeli attack on the Hamas leadership in Qatar. The former German Foreign Minister declared that the Israeli actions in Doha represent an escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip and are"obviously worrying." All 193 UN member states are obligated under the UN Charter to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country.
Baerbock also called for intensified diplomatic efforts to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire, improved humanitarian assistance for civilians in the Gaza Strip from the Israeli government, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also criticized the Israeli attack. Guterres said all parties must work for a lasting ceasefire and not to undermine it.
Relatives of hostages held by the terrorist organization Hamas have expressed grave concern following Israel's attack on the Hamas leadership in Qatar. They fear the hostages could now pay the price for Israel's actions, according to a statement from the relatives' forum."We know from the survivors who have returned that the revenge taken against the hostages is brutal," it said.
Pope describes situation as"very serious"
Pope Leo XIV described the situation following the attack in Qatar as "very serious." Speaking to journalists from the Italian broadcaster RAI, the Pope said:"At this moment, there is truly serious news: the attack by Israel on some Hamas leaders in Qatar. The entire situation is very serious."
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abul Gheit said the attack in Doha violated Qatar's sovereignty. Israel had no interest in the consequences of its reprehensible actions. Iraq, Oman, and Kuwait also condemned the attack.
