Doha — On Tuesday night, Israel launched an airstrike targeting what it claimed were senior Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital of Doha, in a move that has triggered swift and strong reactions across the region.
Qatar’s government denounced the strike as a “blatant violation” of international law and an attack on its national sovereignty. The incident marks a rare direct military action on Qatari soil, raising fears of a wider escalation in the Gulf.
Speaking on state television, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai echoed Qatar’s condemnation, calling the strike “an attack on the national sovereignty of Qatar and the Palestinian negotiators.” He warned that the incident sends a “serious message” to both the region and the international community about the risks of unchecked military action.
The United States embassy in Doha has issued safety instructions to its staff, advising them to remain indoors. US citizens in Qatar have also been urged to shelter in place until further notice.
The strike comes amid heightened tensions following weeks of conflict between Israel and Hamas, with diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire now facing fresh uncertainty. Regional analysts warn that the attack could strain Qatar’s role as a mediator in the ongoing crisis, while also testing the limits of international diplomatic norms.