A wave of condemnation has trailed Israel’s unprecedented airstrike on Doha, the Qatari capital, which targeted senior Hamas leaders on Tuesday. The attack, the first of its kind on Qatari soil, drew sharp criticism from world leaders, diplomats, and international organisations who described it as a flagrant violation of international law.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, alongside leaders from the UK, France, Nigeria, and across the Middle East, urged restraint and warned that the strike could destabilize a region already on edge. Qatar, home to Hamas’ political bureau and the largest US military base in the region, has long played the role of mediator in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
The Israeli strike coincided with a Hamas leadership meeting in Doha to discuss a new ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States. Reports indicated that the attack targeted the residences of several Hamas leaders but only claimed the life of a Hamas leader’s son, while the group’s senior leadership survived.
Israel’s military confirmed the operation was jointly carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet intelligence agency. In its statement, the IDF described the targeted Hamas officials as “responsible for orchestrating terrorist operations for years, including the October 7 massacre in southern Israel.” The statement also insisted that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties, citing the use of precision-guided weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later assumed full responsibility for the operation. In a joint declaration with Defence Minister Israel Katz, he said the strikes were ordered following Monday’s deadly Hamas-claimed shooting in Jerusalem that killed six people.
“Yesterday, after the brutal attack in Jerusalem, I directed our security forces to prepare for decisive action against Hamas leadership,” Netanyahu said. “Today’s operation was entirely independent—planned, executed, and owned by Israel. We accept full responsibility.”
Qatar, which has been central to mediation efforts in Gaza, denounced the strike as an attack on its sovereignty and a setback to peace negotiations. Officials warned that targeting Hamas leaders on Qatari soil could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts and escalate tensions across the region.
The development comes against a backdrop of growing frustration over stalled ceasefire talks. US President Donald Trump had recently declared that Israel accepted “his terms” for a ceasefire, urging Hamas to follow suit. Instead, the conflict appears to have deepened, with the latest strike opening a new and dangerous front.
