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, reports 24brussels.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group governing Gaza, has long maintained a political and diplomatic presence in Doha, Qatar, where the country has provided a base for Hamas’s leadership and facilitated crucial negotiations. As hostilities intensified since October 2023, Qatar assumed a pivotal role in mediating ceasefires between Israel and Palestinian factions. The Qatari capital transformed into a critical hub for discussions targeting violence cessation, humanitarian aid delivery, and prisoner exchanges.
The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas against Israel triggered a massive military response, engendering a devastating war predominantly focused in Gaza. Amidst the escalating conflict, Qatar’s role as a mediator became increasingly urgent, despite Israeli criticisms accusing Doha of not compelling Hamas to cease hostilities or release hostages. Tensions rose as accusations flew from both sides regarding the undermining of peace efforts.
The Attack: Israel Expands Military Operations to Qatari Soil
In a bold and unprecedented action on September 9, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) executed airstrikes targeting a residential compound in Doha’s Leqtaifiya district, allegedly the headquarters for Hamas’s political bureau. This marked Israel’s inaugural military assault within Qatari territory, effectively introducing the conflict to a Gulf Arab state allied with the United States.
Reports indicate that approximately 15 Israeli fighter jets executed the assault, deploying 10 precision bombs on the compound during the night. The Israeli military stated that the strike was “carefully targeted in collaboration with the Shin Bet security service,” intending to neutralize top Hamas leadership deemed responsible for orchestrating attacks against Israeli civilians, including the mass killings on October 7.
Casualties and Targeted Figures
Following the attack, Hamas confirmed the deaths of six individuals, including high-level officials such as Humam al-Hayya, son of prominent Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya, alongside other casualties including the office director and several bodyguards. Despite these losses, Hamas announced that the majority of its negotiating team survived, asserting that the strike would not undermine their core demands for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and prisoner releases.
The surprise attack abruptly interrupted ongoing negotiations as sources revealed that Hamas officials were discussing a ceasefire proposal mediated by the United States. Diplomatically, this act sent shockwaves, highlighting a dangerous escalation in the conflict’s geographical reach.
International and Regional Reactions
Qatar’s Response
Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, condemned the airstrike as a “reckless criminal assault” during a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, labeling it a “clear infringement of sovereignty and security” and a blatant breach of international law.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attack as a “cowardly Israeli strike” violating all international laws. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned Israel’s actions as “state terrorism,” calling for regional unity against such aggression and emphasizing the need for a decisive response from the entire region.
“We have reached a pivotal moment for response from the entire region to such barbaric conduct.”
Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari government, denied claims that Doha had received prior warning of the attack, asserting:
“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.”
In retaliation, Doha immediately suspended its engagement in the ceasefire negotiations, warning of severe consequences for regional peace and stability.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiw condemned the strike as a “despicable and cowardly operation,” emphasizing its violation of United Nations laws and calling for accountability from the international community to avert further destabilization.
Saudi Arabia’s Condemnation
Saudi Arabia condemned the Israeli action in the strongest terms, warning of dire consequences from continued Israeli aggression and urging the international community to intervene for the sake of regional security.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the Israeli strike as “brutal aggression” and a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, reaffirming full solidarity and support for Qatar. The Kingdom reiterated its commitment to deploying all necessary capabilities to support Qatar in response to the airstrike.
“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.”
This condemnation followed Israel’s unprecedented airstrike on September 9, resulting in the deaths of six, including Hamas officials and one Qatari security officer, which incited outrage among the Kingdom and other regional and international observers.
The Saudi government warned that such violations threaten the stability of the entire Middle East. This unified stance reflects broader condemnation across the region for Israel’s actions, underscoring the urgency for collective Arab, Islamic, and international measures to counter mounting Israeli transgressions.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, condemned the Israeli airstrike collectively. Secretary-General Nayef al-Hajraf characterized the attack as a “despicable and cowardly operation,” emphasizing solidarity with Qatar and advocating that Israel be held accountable under international law to prevent further destabilization.
The GCC’s response, marked by unity, underscores the heightened cohesion among its members post-2017 crisis and the political significance of Qatar within the council. This incursion, particularly striking a nation hosting substantial U.S. military presence and actively mediating conflict resolution, constitutes a severe violation of Qatari sovereignty.
European Union
The European Union expressed grave concern over Israel’s airstrike, condemning the act as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty that threatens broader regional stability.
EU 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 reaffirmed the EU’s solidarity with Qatar and its commitment to support ceasefire efforts in Gaza.
Daniel Attard, an MEP from Malta, remarked:
“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.”
He emphasized the urgent need to maintain momentum towards ceasing hostilities as humanitarian crises escalate.
Concerns were echoed by other European parliamentarians, who described the attack as undermining efforts for peace and a violation of basic international norms. They emphasized the need for immediate action to restore stability and prevent further escalation in the region.
United Nations
The United Nations condemned the Israeli airstrike as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty, with Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizing the critical need for restraint and respect for international law. He warned that military actions like these could jeopardize ongoing peace negotiations in Gaza.
In response to the airstrike, the incoming General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock reiterated the importance of respecting all member states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. She called for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Global Powers
United States:
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed discontent with the strike, acknowledging the
