Regional Countries Renew Condemnation of Israeli Doha Strike Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

CAIRO – Regional tensions escalated sharply this week after Israel launched an unprecedented airstrike in the Qatari capital, Doha, targeting a building reportedly used by senior Hamas officials. The move has sparked widespread condemnation across the Middle East, as governments expressed solidarity with Qatar and denounced Israel’s actions as a violation of international law.

The Israeli Strike and Its Context

According to Israeli authorities, the Doha airstrike was an attempt to eliminate senior Hamas leaders allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023, attack that left around 1,200 people dead. The operation, dubbed “Fire Summit,” was described by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz as part of Israel’s broader strategy to pursue Hamas leaders “everywhere,” signaling a significant expansion of its military reach.

Hamas confirmed that the strike hit while its delegation was engaged in discussions over a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Washington. Although the negotiating team survived, six people were killed. Qatar responded firmly, declaring it would adopt a “comprehensive” approach to deter further attacks while maintaining its role as a mediator in ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations in Gaza.

Regional Responses: Strong Condemnation and Solidarity

The strike drew sharp reactions from Arab and regional states.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, emphasized the UAE’s backing for Qatar and highlighted that respect for national sovereignty is a cornerstone of international relations.

Egypt & Kuwait: In a joint call, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah condemned the attack, describing it as a “flagrant violation” of international law and the UN Charter. Both nations pledged full solidarity with Qatar’s security efforts.

Jordan: King Abdullah II, meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, rejected the strike, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and reiterated the urgency of a two-state solution.

Iran: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi denounced Israel’s actions as “terrorist aggression,” arguing that Israel’s continued assaults in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and now Qatar, present a direct threat to both regional and global security.

Tunisia & Algeria: Tunisia condemned the “treacherous and vicious” attack, while Algeria, together with Qatar, called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting to address what it labeled “Israeli aggression.”

International Law and Regional Stability

Across statements, a common theme emerged: Israel’s actions are viewed as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and of the UN Charter. Leaders repeatedly emphasized that sovereignty is non-negotiable, and any breach risks destabilizing the entire region.

Algeria’s official news agency further underscored that Israel’s willingness to strike Hamas negotiators in ceasefire talks proves it has no genuine interest in peace. Calls were made for the international community to take stronger action to deter future Israeli military escalations.

The Broader Picture

The Doha strike adds another layer of complexity to an already fragile regional landscape. With the Gaza conflict ongoing, humanitarian conditions worsening, and ceasefire negotiations faltering, the incident risks inflaming tensions beyond Palestine and Israel. If left unchecked, the conflict could spiral further, pulling neutral states into direct confrontation.

For Qatar, which has long positioned itself as a mediator in Middle Eastern crises, the attack represents not only a violation of its sovereignty but also a challenge to its diplomatic credibility. While Doha has pledged to continue its mediation role, the risks of escalation are undeniable.

Conclusion

The condemnation from regional states underscores a shared fear: that Israel’s expanded military operations will destabilize the Middle East further. With global attention focused on ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian aid in Gaza, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene diplomatically before the conflict spreads even wider.