Israel’s Airstrike in Doha Draws Global Condemnation
Doha: An Israeli airstrike in Qatar’s capital, Doha, has drawn strong criticism from regional and international leaders. The strike, which targeted members of Hamas, reportedly killed five individuals, while senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya survived.
According to Hamas, the casualties included the son of al-Hayya. The group confirmed that its top leadership remained safe, with political bureau member Suhail al-Hindi telling Al Jazeera that negotiations would continue.
Qatar’s Response
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani condemned the strike, stating that Doha reserves the right to respond. He described the incident as a “pivotal moment” and urged a collective regional response.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry confirmed that a member of the security forces also lost his life. Authorities reported explosions near a petrol station in the Legtifya area, with emergency services and security officials quickly deployed to the site.
US Position
The White House confirmed that it had prior knowledge of the strike but emphasized that the US was not directly involved. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that while Washington supports eliminating extremist threats, an attack in Doha “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.”
Qatar, however, denied receiving any advance warning, stating that US officials only reached out once the attack had already begun.
Pakistan and Global Reaction
The Foreign Office of Pakistan strongly condemned the incident, calling it a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar both expressed solidarity with Qatar’s leadership, describing the attack as an indefensible act.
International leaders and organizations also voiced concern:
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strike a violation of sovereignty and urged efforts toward a permanent ceasefire.
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Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran condemned the action, labeling it a breach of international law.
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Pope Leo and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also issued warnings about the potential for further instability in the region.
Aid Flotilla Incident
The strike came shortly after reports that a Gaza-bound aid flotilla had been hit by a suspected drone off the coast of Tunisia. Security footage shared by organizers showed an object falling onto one of the vessels, causing a fire. Despite the attack, flotilla members said they remained determined to deliver aid to Gaza.
