Israel launched a targeted airstrike on September 9 against senior Hamas leaders gathered in Doha, Qatar, where they were reportedly discussing a U.S.-sponsored ceasefire proposal for the Gaza conflict. The precision strike, executed by 15 Israeli fighter jets, killed six individuals including close aides of Hamas’s chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and a Qatari security officer. While Israel hailed the strike as a necessary blow in its battle against terrorism, the attack has provoked an intense backlash across the Arab world and raised questions about the fragile nature of regional peace efforts.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar, delivered a scathing condemnation, branding the airstrike a “cowardly Israeli attack” and “state terrorism.” He warned the assault risks derailing ongoing peace talks that Qatar has been facilitating between Hamas and Israel.
“This blatant violation of our sovereignty threatens the security and stability of the region,”
Sheikh Mohammed said, underscoring Qatar’s role as a key mediator in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and host to Hamas’s political leadership.
Saudi Arabia’s Strong Rebuke
Echoing Qatar’s sentiments, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the strike as “brutal Israeli aggression” and affirmed full solidarity with Qatar. The ministry cautioned that Israel’s repeated violations of international law risk “dangerous consequences” for regional stability. As a central regional power, Saudi Arabia’s condemnation highlights the potential fallout for ongoing normalization talks between Israel and some Arab states.
United Arab Emirates Pledges Solidarity
Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE, characterized the strike as a “treacherous Israeli attack,” emphasizing that
“Gulf security is indivisible.”
Despite the UAE’s historic normalization of relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, Gargash made clear the UAE’s stance in condemning this unilateral Israeli military action on Qatari soil.
Jordan Voices Concern Over Regional Stability
Fuad Majali, spokesperson for Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the bombing as “an unacceptable provocation” that undermines regional stability and flagrantly violates Qatar’s security and sovereignty. Jordan, closely connected to Palestinian affairs, views the strike with alarm as a significant escalation.
Jordan’s concern is deeply rooted in its close diplomatic ties with Qatar, particularly after Qatar’s role in mediating the Gulf diplomatic crisis resolution. Jordan’s proximity to the Palestinian territories and its large Palestinian population make the Gaza conflict a critical issue. Jordan and Qatar have historically cooperated on humanitarian aid and diplomatic support for Palestinians, making the strike a significant escalation threatening ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iran Denounces the Strike
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, called the strike a “gross violation” of international law and Qatar’s sovereignty, describing it as an extremely dangerous act. Iran remains a staunch backer of Hamas and a regional opponent of Israel, and its condemnation aligns with broader opposition to Israeli military actions.
Iran’s position aligns with its long-standing support for Hamas and opposition to Israeli policies. Despite Qatar’s efforts to balance relations with both Western and regional actors, including Iran, the attack highlights the escalating regional tensions.
Palestinian Authority Condemns the Attack
Hussein al-Sheikh, Vice President of the State of Palestine, condemned the airstrike as a “cowardly assassination attempt” targeting Hamas leadership.
The Palestinian Authority expressed concern that such acts undermine fragile peace negotiations. Qatar’s hosting of Hamas leadership and its mediation in ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel place it at the center of these diplomatic efforts.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Speaks Out
The GCC Secretary-General labeled the airstrike a “despicable and cowardly operation” and pledged solidarity with Qatar. The council called for accountability on Israel’s part, emphasizing the collective security interests of the Gulf states.
The attack, carried out amid a delicate phase of ceasefire negotiations brokered largely through Qatar, represents a sharp escalation with far-reaching implications. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike as a justified response to Hamas’s terror activities, declaring the era of terror leaders operating with impunity to be over. However, the regional fallout, especially within the Arab world, underscores rising tensions and the potential jeopardy of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending hostilities in Gaza.
This operation also highlights the complex balancing act Gulf states face navigating ties with the United States, Israel, and their own Arab neighbors, while responding to direct violations of sovereignty.
