World condemns Israeli strike on Qatar

Doha was shaken on Tuesday when multiple explosions hit the city. Thick smoke rose over the Legtifya district as residents ran for safety. Eyewitnesses described several loud blasts in quick succession. The streets were soon filled with ambulances, police, and emergency workers. Authorities quickly sealed off the affected area. A nearby residential compound and petrol station were damaged in the strikes.

Israel later confirmed it had carried out the attack. Officials said the operation was directed at senior Hamas leaders in Doha. Israeli media reported that Khalil al-Hayya, a top Hamas negotiator and senior figure in the movement, was among the targets. According to Hamas sources, several leaders had been holding a meeting at the time. The gathering was focused on discussions over a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan. The strike disrupted those talks and spread fear throughout the city.

The Qatari government strongly condemned the attack. Officials described it as a cowardly act and a clear violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. They said the assault undermined efforts to achieve peace in Gaza and the wider region.

The attack quickly drew reactions from across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia denounced it as brutal aggression and promised full support to Qatar. Oman called it treachery and a dangerous escalation that threatened regional peace. The United Arab Emirates also issued a statement describing the strike as a blatant violation of international law. Kuwait condemned what it called unjust aggression. Turkey said the attack showed Israel had no interest in peace and was instead pursuing expansionist policies. Lebanon’s leaders also voiced alarm, warning that the attack threatened stability across the region.

At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern. He called the strike a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and urged all parties to focus on securing a permanent ceasefire rather than fueling further conflict. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with the Emir of Qatar, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s full support.

The White House acknowledged that Israel had informed Washington about the planned attack. However, it did not clarify the extent of U.S. involvement or its position on the strike.

Analysts said the incident represented a dangerous escalation. It pushed Israel’s conflict with Hamas into the Gulf region, undermining Qatar’s role as a mediator. They also noted that Hamas leadership has been increasingly targeted in recent years. Khalil al-Hayya’s growing influence after the deaths of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar made him one of Israel’s top targets.

By evening, Qatari authorities were still assessing the damage. Residents of the Legtifya neighborhood were evacuated as a precaution. The full scale of casualties remained unclear.