Saudi Arabia has expressed strong condemnation of the Israeli airstrike that struck Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, on September 9, labeling the attack a “brutal Israeli aggression” and denouncing it in the strongest possible terms, reports 24brussels.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement affirming full solidarity with Qatar, warning that Israel’s ongoing violations of international law could have severe repercussions for regional security and stability. The statement underscored the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, emphasizing that the attack contravened international law and breached Qatar’s territorial integrity.
This unprecedented Israeli assault on Qatari territory occurred amidst continuing ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar between Israel and Hamas, marking the first instance of Israel directly targeting a significant Gulf Arab state in a military operation. Saudi Arabia’s censure reflects a wider regional backlash, raising further concerns about destabilization within the already fragile political landscape of the Middle East.
The airstrike resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including members of Hamas’s political leadership and one Qatari security officer. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani denounced the attack as “cowardly Israeli terrorism,” cautioning that it could jeopardize the fragile peace negotiations Qatar has been facilitating.
As a prominent regional power invested in both stability and the normalization process with Israel, Saudi Arabia conveyed a clear message against unilateral military actions that infringe upon sovereign nations and disrupt diplomatic efforts. The kingdom reiterated its commitment to regional security, urging all involved parties to pursue conflict resolution through peaceful dialogue instead of violence.
Saudi Arabia’s statement aligns with a chorus of condemnations from other Arab nations and international entities, including the United Nations, which termed the strike a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
This incident marks a new and tense chapter in the ongoing Gaza conflict, illustrating the intricate complexities and geopolitical stakes as Israel ramps up military operations while Gulf allies navigate diplomatic challenges in a precarious regional environment.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia Relations
Saudi Arabia and Qatar maintain a complex yet evolving relationship, marked by cycles of tension and cooperation. In the wake of the 2017 diplomatic crisis, which saw Saudi Arabia lead a blockade against Qatar over allegations of supporting terrorism and destabilizing the area, relations have gradually improved since the blockade’s end in early 2021.
In recent years, diplomatic ties have been restored, highlighted by official exchanges and high-level coordination sessions. In April 2025, the two nations held a meeting of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council in Doha, where Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud discussed deepening collaboration across political, economic, and security sectors. Both parties underscored their “fraternal relations” and the imperative for enhanced cooperation to address regional challenges.
