An Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders has triggered widespread international condemnation, prompted an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, and raised regional tensions. Qatar’s prime minister denounced the attack as “state terrorism” and warned Doha reserves the right to respond, Pakistan’s prime minister called to express solidarity, the UN secretary-general condemned the violation of sovereignty, and oil prices rose modestly on market jitters.
According to diplomatic sources cited by Reuters, the UN Security Council has been convened at the request of several countries, including Pakistan and Algeria, to consider the regional fallout from the strike. The meeting will allow council members to review the incident and discuss steps to de-escalate tensions.
Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, strongly condemned the strike, calling it “state terrorism.” In his first public remarks since the attack, he said Qatar reserves the right to respond to any violation of its sovereignty or threats to its security and regional stability, and that Doha would take all necessary measures to address the incident. He also stressed that Qatar’s role as a mediator in regional disputes is central to its identity and will continue despite the attack. The prime minister questioned whether Israeli statements about reshaping the Middle East implied intentions to reshape the Gulf and urged a unified regional response to what he described as a brutal act.
Hamas said the strike in Doha targeted its leadership and killed five members, including the son of exiled Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya. The attack has drawn sharp criticism across the Middle East and beyond.
Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, telephoned Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to condemn the airstrike, express condolences for loss of life and damage to civilian property, and affirm Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar. A statement from the prime minister’s office described the attack as a cowardly act and a clear violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and regional integrity that endangers peace and stability. The two leaders agreed to maintain contact to promote regional peace and security. The Emir thanked Prime Minister Sharif for his sympathy and reaffirmed the close ties between the two countries.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the decision to strike Qatar was made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and not by the United States. Trump added that a unilateral attack on a sovereign, allied country like Qatar would not serve U.S. or Israeli interests and told reporters he was “not happy” about the incident. He said he spoke with both Netanyahu and the Qatari Emir and sought assurances that such action would not recur. The White House, Trump said, had directed U.S. envoy Steve Witkof to notify Qatar in advance; Qatari officials disputed that account, saying they were informed only after explosions were heard in Doha. In a social media post, Trump noted that while ending Hamas is a legitimate objective, bombing a close, sovereign ally undermines broader goals and diplomatic efforts in the region. He also described Qatar as a strong U.S. partner that has been mediating ceasefire talks, prisoner exchanges, and future arrangements for Gaza.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Israeli strikes on Qatar as a blatant violation of Qatari sovereignty. He highlighted Qatar’s constructive role in seeking a ceasefire and securing the release of prisoners, and urged all parties to work toward a lasting ceasefire rather than actions that would undermine it.
The attack also affected global energy markets. Oil prices rose modestly on the news, with Brent crude up about $0.35 to $66.74 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate up about $0.36 to $62.99 per barrel. Analysts said initial market reactions pushed prices as much as 2% higher, but gains were limited after U.S. assurances that a repeat attack on Doha would not occur.
