Monday, 25 May 2026
A damaged building in Doha, Qatar, September 9, 2025.
Israeli strike on Hamas in Qatar draws worldwide condemnation
DUBAI – On Tuesday, Israel carried out a strike targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar as they met to discuss a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal for Gaza, according to officials. This unexpected escalation marks a significant broadening of Israel’s efforts against Hamas and threatens to derail ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and securing the release of Israeli hostages.
Dark plumes of smoke were seen rising over Doha, the capital of Qatar, and local authorities soon confirmed the incident.
This event marks only the second time the energy-rich country has been directly impacted by attacks since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East following Hamas’ October 7th assault on southern Israel.
Qatar has long played a crucial role as a mediator in peace talks. The recent strike has thrown into uncertainty the future of these diplomatic efforts, raising concerns about the immediate prospects for continuing negotiations.
The Qatari government swiftly condemned what it described as a "cowardly Israeli attack" on Hamas’ political offices in Doha. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari called it a "flagrant violation of all international laws and norms," and stressed that Qatar "will not tolerate such reckless Israeli conduct or any action threatening our security and sovereignty.”
Previously, Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base, which hosts the U.S. military’s forward headquarters for Central Command, came under fire amid the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict—a period in which American forces struck Iranian nuclear facilities.
Following this latest strike, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place directive for its staff and facilities, urging American citizens in the country to take similar precautions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the incident, urging that “all parties must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not undermining it.”
Regional reactions were swift and strong. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Qatar’s Emir to affirm the kingdom’s support. Oman’s government, in a statement, voiced "solidarity" with the people and leadership of Qatar, decrying the attack as an unlawful act threatening regional security and peace.
The United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry labeled the strike "blatant and cowardly," while Kuwait issued a strong condemnation, expressing solidarity with Qatar after what it called a “brutal aggression.” Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi similarly decried the attack as "cowardly" and a clear breach of international law. Iran’s Foreign Ministry called Israel’s actions in Qatar “dangerous” and a “violation of international law.”
Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump issued what he called his “last warning” to Hamas regarding a possible ceasefire. On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had carried out the strike. “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” Netanyahu said in a statement.