The Israeli airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, on September 9, 2025, marked a significant and unprecedented escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, expanding the battleground beyond Gaza and into international territory. This article explores the background, details of the attack, key actors involved, and the wide-ranging international reactions, shedding light on what this means for regional stability and the future of peace negotiations.
Background: Hamas Leadership and Qatar’s Role in Mediation
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group governing Gaza, has maintained a political and diplomatic presence in Doha, Qatar, for many years. Qatar has provided Hamas with a base for its political bureau leadership, offering a venue for diplomacy and negotiation outside Gaza’s conflict zone. Since the outbreak of intensified hostilities in October 2023, Qatar has played a crucial role, alongside Egypt, in mediating ceasefire talks between Israel and Palestinian resistance groups. The Qatari capital thus became a hub for discussions aiming to halt violence, negotiate prisoner exchanges, and deliver humanitarian assistance.
The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel triggered a wide-scale Israeli military response, leading to a devastating war primarily centered in Gaza. Amid the escalating conflict, the need for ceasefire negotiations became urgent, with Qatar acting as a trusted intermediary. However, Israel has repeatedly criticized Qatar for allegedly not exerting enough pressure on Hamas to halt attacks or release hostages. Tensions simmered as each side accused the other of undermining peace efforts.
The Attack: Israel Expands Military Operations to Qatari Soil
On September 9, 2025, in a bold and unprecedented move, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes against a residential compound in Doha’s Leqtaifiya district, reported to be the Hamas political bureau’s headquarters. This marked Israel’s first known military attack inside Qatari territory, bringing the conflict into the heart of a Gulf Arab state allied with the United States.
Reports indicate that around 15 Israeli fighter jets dropped 10 precision bombs on the compound late at night. The Israeli military declared that the strike was “carefully targeted in collaboration with the Shin Bet security service” and aimed at the top leadership of Hamas, whom they hold responsible for orchestrating attacks against Israeli civilians, including the October 7 massacre.
Casualties and Targeted Figures
Hamas confirmed that six people were killed in the strike, including senior officials such as Humam al-Hayya, son of Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Gaza leader and prominent negotiator. Other casualties included Jihad Abu Labad, Khalil al-Hayya’s office director, three bodyguards, and a Qatari security officer. Despite the losses, Hamas stated that most of its negotiating team survived the attack and vowed that the strike would not derail their core demands for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and prisoner releases.
The sudden attack disrupted ongoing negotiations. According to sources, Hamas leadership in Doha was discussing an active ceasefire proposal mediated by the United States. More broadly, it sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community, signaling a dangerous expansion of the conflict’s geographical scope.
International and Regional Reactions
Qatar’s Response
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned the attack as a “reckless criminal assault” in a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it “a blatant infringement of its sovereignty and security, as well as a clear breach of international law’s rules and principles.”
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the airstrike as a “cowardly Israeli attack” and “a clear violation of all international laws and norms.”
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani labeled Israel’s actions as “state terrorism” and urged regional solidarity against Israel’s conduct, stating,
“We have reached a pivotal moment for response from the entire region to such barbaric conduct.”
Spokesperson Majed al-Ansari refuted claims that Qatar was warned ahead of the attack, stating:
“The statements being circulated about Qatar being informed of the attack in advance are baseless. The call from a US official came during the sound of explosions caused by the Israeli attack in Doha.”
Doha immediately suspended its participation in the ceasefire negotiations, warning of grave consequences to regional peace and stability.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiw condemned the strike as a “despicable and cowardly operation” and emphasized that it violated United Nations laws and international treaties. He called upon the international community to hold Israel accountable to prevent further destabilization of the region.
Saudi Arabia’s Condemnation
The Kingdom warned against the consequences of persistent Israeli military aggression and urged the international community to intervene to uphold security and stability in the region.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the brutal Israeli aggression and blatant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, affirming its full solidarity and support for Qatar, and deploying all its capabilities to support it in all measures it may take.
Saudi Arabia expressed vehement condemnation with a decisive statement reading:
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the brutal Israeli aggression and blatant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, affirming its full solidarity and support for Qatar, and deploying all its capabilities to support it in all measures it may take.”
Saudi Arabia’s denunciation came in response to Israel’s unprecedented airstrike on September 9, 2025, targeting Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, which marked the first Israeli military operation on Qatari soil. The strike resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including members of Hamas and one Qatari security official, deeply angering the Kingdom and other regional and international actors.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attack as a “brutal aggression” and a flagrant breach of international law and Qatar’s territorial integrity. Riyadh expressed full solidarity with Qatar amid increasing regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing that such violations threaten the security and stability of the entire Middle East. The Kingdom underscored its commitment to support Qatar through all available means, highlighting the depth of their diplomatic partnership and regional cooperation.
This strong Saudi position reflects a broader Arab and international condemnation of the Israeli strike, with calls for respect of sovereignty and regional security. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called for coordinated Arab, Islamic, and international action to confront such aggression and stressed the need for measures to deter repeated Israeli military excesses perceived as attempts to destabilize the region.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, issued a collective denunciation of the Israeli airstrike on Doha, Qatar, on September 9, 2025. The GCC’s Secretary-General Nayef al-Hajraf described the attack as a “despicable and cowardly operation.” He pledged full solidarity with Qatar, emphasizing the collective strength and unity of the Gulf states in the face of what they termed a blatant violation of sovereignty and international law.
The GCC statement called for Israel to be held accountable under international law to prevent further destabilization of the Middle East, warning that such actions risk escalating regional tensions and undermining fragile peace processes. The attack marked a significant breach of Qatari sovereignty with severe political and security repercussions for the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack in the “strongest terms,” describing it as “brutal Israeli aggression” and reaffirming its full solidarity and support for Qatar. The Kingdom highlighted the dangerous consequences of “ongoing Israeli transgressions,” which they said are destabilizing the region and violating international norms.
The United Arab Emirates, through diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash, labeled the airstrike a “treacherous Israeli attack,” emphasizing that the security of the Gulf states is indivisible. The UAE reaffirmed solidarity with Qatar and called for collective measures to address the crisis and safeguard regional stability amid worsening tensions.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the “brutal aggression” against Qatar, warning that continued Israeli military actions risk igniting new conflicts in the already fragile region.
Bahrain and Oman joined the collective condemnation, voicing firm solidarity with Qatar and calling upon the international community to ensure Israel is held responsible and deterred from further aggression.
The GCC’s unified response reflects the increased cohesion of the Gulf states since the resolution of the 2017 Gulf diplomatic crisis and underscores the political importance of Qatar within the council. This attack on Qatar host to the largest US military base in the region and a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations is perceived as crossing an unacceptable red line.
The coordinated reaction from the GCC nations signals a toughened stance toward Israel’s expanding military operations across the Middle East. The strike on Qatar is viewed as not only a violation against a member state but also a direct challenge to Gulf unity and sovereignty, factors critical to the council’s vision of regional peace and stability.
Analysts note that the GCC’s response highlights both a warning and a call to action aimed at preserving diplomatic efforts amidst escalating violence. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and their Gulf neighbors are deeply concerned that Israel’s military aggressions threaten to unravel ongoing mediation efforts and jeopardize the safety of Gulf airspace, which is vital not only to regional defense but also to international security dynamics.
Amid mounting regional tension, the GCC has made it clear that such “despicable” attacks will not be tolerated and that they stand ready to support Qatar in all measures needed to uphold its sovereignty and prevent further destabilization.
European Union
The European Union has expressed profound concern over the recent Israeli airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, warning that the military action constitutes a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and risks escalating violence across the Middle East.
The EU’s official spokesperson Anouar El Anouni stated,
“Today’s airstrike by Israel against Hamas leaders in Doha breaches international law and Qatar’s territorial integrity, and risks a further escalation of violence in the region.”
He emphasized the EU’s full solidarity with Qatar, describing it as a strategic partner, and reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to supporting all efforts toward achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
Daniel Attard, Member of the European Parliament from Malta and part of the Socialists and Democrats group, said,
“Israel’s latest attack in Qatar is a grave violation of the country’s territorial integrity. It is yet another example that the far-right Israeli government doesn’t want a ceasefire. The EU must step up its actions to stop further escalation. Momentum towards a ceasefire cannot be lost at this point when famine is spreading in Gaza.”
Attard further highlighted the broader regional ramifications, noting,
“The attack is a dangerous escalation and risks destabilising the entire region. Qatar has now become the sixth country where Israel has carried out military actions since October 7, 2023, joining Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Syria. The silence and inaction of the international community amount to nothing less than complicity. Enough is enough.”
Echoing concerns over escalating violence, Wouter Beke, an MEP from Belgium’s European People’s Party, characterized the incident as “a new step in escalating violence.” He underscored Qatar’s efforts to act as an honest broker in peace negotiations, adding,
“This attack does not bring us closer to peace. I believe it is time for a ceasefire in which all hostages are released and the violence ends.”
Hilde Vautmans, a Renew Europe MEP from Belgium, emphasized the breach of sovereignty and the risks it poses:
“Israel’s attack is a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and risks dangerous escalation in the region. Our priority remains an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid. We must do everything so that the atrocities happening do not spread further across the Middle East.”
José Cepeda, from Spain’s Social Democrats, stressed the fundamental principle breached by the strike:
“The attack on Qatar breaks a basic principle respect for sovereignty which increasingly distances the possibilities of a just and lasting peace framed in respect for international law and human rights. From the European Union, we must take steps towards a solution of coexistence and dialogue that restores peace to the region.”
Other European lawmakers shared similar concerns. David Casa, an MEP from Malta, described the strike as “a blatant violation of international law” that “undermines regional stability and defies the basic principles of sovereignty,” calling on the EU to respond decisively.
Danilo Della Valle, a Five Star Movement MEP, remarked,
“Israel’s recent strike constitutes a blatant breach of Qatar’s sovereignty and a violation of the UN Charter. This reflects a troubling pattern under the current Israeli leadership, aimed at undermining peace negotiations and perpetuating instability.”
In stark terms, Marc Botenga, an MEP representing the leftist ECOLO group in Belgium, accused Israel of attempting to sabotage negotiations by extending its military campaign into Qatar, a key mediator.
“Israel is exterminating the Palestinians and has even started bombing Qatar, in an effort to sabotage negotiations in which Qatar plays a key role. Israel is a rogue state that disregards all principles of international law, aided by the complicity of the United States and European countries,”
he stated.
This collective European parliamentary response comes amid broader international concern following the strike, which breaks new ground in the conflict by directly hitting a Gulf Arab state known for its mediation efforts. Experts warn the attack risks jeopardizing diplomatic initiatives that Qatar has hosted, which are aimed at brokering a ceasefire and resolving hostage issues.
The sensitive geopolitical context includes multiple countries where Israel has conducted or attempted operations since the outbreak of intensified conflict late last year, raising alarm about regional spillover effects. The European Parliament’s call for respecting sovereignty and urgent de-escalation underscores the EU’s commitment to international law and peacebuilding.
United Nations
The United Nations has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli airstrike, characterizing the action as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Secretary-General António Guterres spoke out forcefully against the strike on September 9, describing it as a blatant infringement on international law.
Guterres emphasized Qatar’s critical role as a mediator in the ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas. He cautioned all involved parties to avoid actions that undermine these delicate negotiations, urging them instead to
“work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, not destroying it.”
His statement reflected concern that military escalations like the Qatar strike risk further destabilizing a region already battered by years of conflict.
Adding to the UN’s message of restraint, the incoming UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock called the airstrike “concerning” and appealed for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states. Baerbock’s remarks underscored the fundamental international norms that prohibit unilateral military operations inside sovereign nations without consent, highlighting the risk of further regional destabilization should such violations continue.
The Qatari government communicated to the UN its intention to investigate the incident and seek accountability for the breach of its sovereignty.
The UN’s call for respect of sovereignty comes amid heightened tensions that could derail fragile peace efforts in the Middle East. Guterres’s insistence on restraint highlights the UN’s broader push for diplomatic, not military, solutions to the complex and intertwined conflicts afflicting the region.
This condemnation from the world’s foremost international body adds weight to the widespread diplomatic backlash against Israel’s operation in Qatar, and reflects the urgency felt by global leaders to prevent escalation and protect international law and order.
Global Powers
United States:
President Donald Trump expressed deep dissatisfaction with the strike, stating he was “very unhappy” over the operation, which he said jeopardizes peace efforts and U.S. relations with Qatar, a critical strategic ally. White House officials noted limited prior notification and called for renewed diplomatic focus. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. administration informed Qatar about the impending strike after President Trump directed an envoy to notify Doha.
She stated,
“President Trump views Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the United States and feels very badly about the location of this attack.”
However, Qatar denied receiving any prior warning, calling the information “baseless,” as clarified by spokesperson Majed al-Ansari.
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes, saying:
“I condemn Israel’s strikes on Doha, which violate Qatar’s sovereignty and risk further escalation across the region. The priority must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a huge surge in aid into Gaza. This is the only solution towards long-lasting peace.”
Starmer also emphasized that the attacks “do nothing to secure the peace that the UK and so many of our allies are committed to.” He expressed support and solidarity with Qatar in communications with the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the strike as:
“An unacceptable violation of international law and a serious threat to regional stability.”
He expressed solidarity with Qatar and its leadership, warning that the continuation of military actions risks dragging the entirety of the Middle East into further violence and turmoil.
The French presidency highlighted the importance of respecting the sovereignty of all states and called for renewed diplomatic efforts to promote peace and prevent escalation.
Turkey:
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced the airstrike as a breach of international norms and pledged support for Qatar and the Palestinian people. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous strike targeting Qatar’s sovereignty and security.” The ministry said,
“The Israeli attack in Doha shows Israel has adopted expansionism and terrorism as a state policy. It does not want peace; it wants to continue war.”
Pakistan:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack as “unlawful and heinous,” reiterating solidarity with Qatar and Palestine.
Geopolitical Implications and Analysis
The airstrike on Qatari soil marks a watershed moment in the Israel-Hamas conflict, shifting the intensity and scope of the war to a new arena. By directly targeting Hamas leaders in a sovereign Gulf state, Israel has dramatically expanded its military campaign in a way that risks sweeping regional escalation.
Qatar’s position as a U.S. ally hosting the strategically vital Al Udeid Air Base adds further complexity. The strike not only undermines Qatar’s role as a peace broker but also raises questions about the delicate balance of power and the risks of entangling other Gulf states in the conflict.
For Israel, the strike was a calculated effort to disrupt Hamas’s political command while asserting that no safe havens exist for those it deems terrorists. Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing those “who perpetrated this horror,” indicating a no-tolerance policy toward Hamas leadership regardless of location.
Internationally, concerns are growing that military actions outside Gaza could trigger broader confrontation, threatening U.S. alliances and fracturing Gulf cooperation, which has been instrumental in Arab-Israeli normalization efforts over the past decade.
Humanitarian Impact and Ceasefire Prospects
The strike threatens to derail the fragile ceasefire negotiations, which depend heavily on Qatari mediation and the goodwill of negotiation participants. Qatar’s suspension of talks leaves the prospects of an imminent ceasefire uncertain at best.
With humanitarian conditions in Gaza deteriorating rapidly due to sustained Israeli military operations, the international community faces increasing pressure to broker a viable ceasefire that ensures protection and aid for civilians.
Calls from European lawmakers, UN officials, and multiple world leaders for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages underscore the urgency of preventing further bloodshed.
Israel’s airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, represents a bold and controversial escalation with significant geopolitical, humanitarian, and diplomatic ramifications. For the first time, the conflict has breached the territorial sovereignty of a Gulf Arab state, igniting sharp regional and global condemnations.
As Qatar suspends its participation in ceasefire talks, and as allied countries rally in condemnation, the conflict’s trajectory becomes even more uncertain. The action places enormous strain on ongoing peace efforts and raises critical questions about the future role of regional actors and international mediators.
Moving forward, sustained diplomatic engagement, respect for sovereignty, and urgent humanitarian relief remain vital to prevent further destabilization and to chart a path toward lasting peace in one of the world’s most volatile and complex conflicts.
