Qatar declared the attack, which targeted the residential headquarters of members of the movement's political bureau, a "criminal and cowardly assault," stressing that it "will not tolerate any action targeting its sovereignty and security," and that it reserves the right to respond.
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani noted at a press conference in Doha on Tuesday that the strike represents a "pivotal moment" in the region, stressing his country's continued efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza.
For its part, Israel announced that the raids targeted "Hamas leadership in Doha" in cooperation with the Shin Bet security service. The movement confirmed that "the enemy failed to assassinate the negotiating delegation," announcing the deaths of a number of martyrs, including Jihad Labad, director of Khalil al-Hayya's office, and his son, Hammam, in addition to three of his companions, along with Badr al-Humaidi, a member of the Qatari Lekhwiya forces.
The Israeli attack, the first of its kind against a Gulf state, was met with widespread condemnation from countries in the region. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack "in the strongest terms" and affirmed its full solidarity with Qatar, while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described the strike as a "criminal act and a flagrant violation of international law," announcing that the kingdom would deploy all its resources to support Doha.
While the UAE deemed the attack "blatant and cowardly," it warned of serious repercussions if the lack of a deterrent international stance persists. Advisor Anwar Gargash stated that "Gulf security is indivisible," affirming its full support for Qatar. Kuwait called on the Security Council to assume its responsibilities to halt the attacks and affirmed its full support for Qatar's actions.
Oman, Bahrain, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, Iraq, Syria, Morocco, Lebanon, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Mauritania issued similar statements, describing the strike as a "flagrant violation of sovereignty" and stressing their solidarity with Doha.
Condemnations were also issued by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed al-Tayeb, and the International Union of Muslim Scholars, who considered the attack a "terrorist aggression" aimed at destabilizing the region.
Internationally, the United Nations described the attack as a "flagrant violation" of Qatar's sovereignty, with Secretary-General António Guterres describing the strike as a "blatant violation" of the sovereignty of a country that had played a positive role in ceasefire efforts.
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The "Global Resilience" flotilla is preparing to set sail from Tunisia to Gaza today, Wednesday.
A new attack on the Steadfastness Flotilla heading to Gaza, and a fire broke out without injuries.
Qatar: Netanyahu is practicing state terrorism, and the strike will not deter us from continuing our mediation efforts. Trump: The attack will not be repeated.
President Emmanuel Macron said that "the attacks are unacceptable, regardless of their motives," affirming his solidarity with Qatar and warning against the war spreading to the region.
For his part, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the attack "violated Qatar's sovereignty and risks escalation," reiterating calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of detainees. Germany affirmed that the strike was "unacceptable." The European Commission also expressed concern about "further escalation."
Türkiye condemned the attack, viewing the strike as "evidence that Israel seeks to prolong the conflict, not achieve peace." Iran, meanwhile, described it as "a flagrant violation of all international norms."
For its part, the United States denied any involvement in the attack, with US President Donald Trump stating that the decision "was made solely by Netanyahu." The White House considered the strike "serving neither Israel's nor America's interests," praising Qatar as a "strong ally and close friend."
The attack on Qatar, the first of its kind against a Gulf state, came despite the country's mediation role, alongside Egypt and under US supervision, in indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at reaching a prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli opposition and prisoners' families assert that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is continuing the war on Gaza to maintain his position, fearing the collapse of his government if the most extremist faction, which refuses to end the war, withdraws.
With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving 64,605 Palestinians martyred, 163,319 wounded, most of them children and women, hundreds of thousands displaced, and a famine that claimed the lives of 399 Palestinians, including 140 children.
