‘Will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour’: Qatar, world leaders condemn strike on Hamas leaders in Doha

Qatar condemned the strike, saying it hit residential buildings housing members of the Hamas Political Bureau.

New Delhi | September 9, 2025 10:23 PM IST

3 min read

Smoke rises from an explosion, allegedly caused by an Israeli strike, in Doha, Qatar. (AP)

Israel said it carried out an attack in Qatar on Tuesday targeting senior members of Hamas, which has long maintained its political base in Doha.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”

Qatar’s response

Qatar condemned the strike, saying it hit residential buildings housing members of the Hamas Political Bureau. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said on X that the attack was a violation of international law and a threat to the security of Qataris and residents.

He added, “While the State of Qatar strongly condemns this assault, it confirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its security and sovereignty.”

Reaction from international bodies

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the strikes as “a flagrant violation of sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Qatar.” He urged all sides to work towards a permanent ceasefire rather than undermine it, Reuters reported.

Pope Leo XIV also addressed the incident, telling reporters outside Castel Gandolfo: “There’s some really serious news right now: Israel’s attack on some Hamas leaders in Qatar. The entire situation is very serious.”

Regional reactions

Saudi Arabia denounced the strike as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and warned of “dire consequences resulting from the Israeli occupation’s persistence in its criminal violations and its blatant violation of the principles of international law and all international norms.”

Also read | Israel calls strike in Doha ‘Summit of Fire’ says it targeted Hamas leadership

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the attack was part of a pattern of Israeli actions that “demonstrate its determination to strike all efforts made to achieve stability and security in the countries of the region.”

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Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the strike was “dangerous” and a breach of international law, according to Iranian media.

The United Arab Emirates also condemned what it called a “blatant and cowardly” attack, with Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan saying the UAE stood in solidarity with Qatar and backed measures to protect its security.

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