Israel’s Strike In Qatar Draws Global Criticism

News in Short:

Israel launched an airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders, using over 10 fighter jets. Qatar condemned it as a violation of its sovereignty and warned it could derail Gaza ceasefire talks. The US said the strike does not serve its goals, while Asia-Pacific nations including Australia, Malaysia, and Pakistan strongly criticized Israel’s action.

Detailed News:

Israel’s airstrike inside Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, has ignited a storm of international criticism and strained ties with the United States, threatening to derail delicate Gaza ceasefire negotiations. The unprecedented operation has been condemned as a violation of Qatari sovereignty and a dangerous provocation in an already volatile region.

Israel Justifies Its Actions

Israel confirmed it carried out a large-scale strike on residential buildings in Doha where members of Hamas’ political bureau were believed to be hiding. According to Israeli officials, more than 10 fighter jets were deployed in the operation.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, defended the move during an interview with Fox News. Acknowledging that not all intended targets had been hit, Leiter vowed that Hamas operatives remain in Israel’s sights.

“If we didn’t get them this time, we’ll get them next time. Wherever they are, whenever they are, they are on notice,” Leiter declared.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later characterized the strike as part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to ensure long-term peace, describing it as “a wholly independent Israeli operation.” Speaking at the US Embassy, Netanyahu insisted that Israel had accepted Washington’s proposed ceasefire principles, even as his military continued to pursue Hamas abroad.

Qatar Responds with Fury

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani was visibly angered during a press conference, condemning the strike as a blatant violation of his country’s sovereignty.

He warned that the attack risked derailing Qatari-led mediation efforts in Gaza, though he emphasized that his nation’s tradition of diplomacy “won’t be deterred.” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari strongly denied reports that Doha was given advance notice of the strike, calling them “baseless.”

Asia-Pacific Nations Condemn Strike

The attack on Doha has prompted strong reactions from Asia-Pacific leaders, many of whom voiced concern that Israel’s actions could escalate the Gaza conflict further.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the strike “the wrong thing to do,” warning it undermines ceasefire efforts and violates international norms.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged restraint, saying simply: “The violence must stop.”
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the assault as a “wanton act of aggression,” insisting it violated international law and displayed Israel’s “utter contempt for peace and diplomacy.”
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu described the attack as “cowardly” and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the strike represents “a grave threat to regional security and peace.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the operation as “totally unjustified” and a “dangerous provocation,” adding that he had conveyed solidarity to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the attack “hinders diplomatic efforts,” urging Israel to return to the negotiating table.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed “deep concern” but refrained from outright condemnation, calling for restraint and renewed diplomacy.

US Reaction Reveals Strains with Israel

In Washington, the strike has strained relations between the Trump administration and Israel. President Donald Trump admitted he was “not thrilled” about the move, particularly as he had not been informed in advance. According to US officials, Trump learned of the strike only minutes before it began — not from Israel, but from General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Staff.

Trump later attempted damage control, calling Qatar’s Emir to reaffirm US solidarity and clarify that Washington had no role in authorizing the strike. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the attack “does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” while Vice President JD Vance criticized the timing but acknowledged that some Hamas leaders may have been eliminated.

The revelation that Israeli officials did not inform the US in advance has fueled frustration inside the White House, with some advisers privately accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of undermining trust.

Ceasefire Talks in Jeopardy

Qatar has been central to ongoing mediation between Israel and Hamas. The strike in Doha, however, threatens to complicate or even collapse those efforts. With Trump expected to issue a fuller statement, and Netanyahu insisting his government remains committed to ceasefire principles, the future of negotiations is uncertain.

For now, the strike underscores Israel’s willingness to pursue Hamas far beyond Gaza’s borders — but at the risk of alienating key allies and provoking fresh instability in the Middle East.

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