By Obinna Uballa
Israel’s unprecedented strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital Doha on Tuesday has triggered an international backlash, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
Hamas says six people were killed, including one Qatari security officer, but insists its senior negotiators, led by Khalil al-Hayya, survived.
The Israeli military confirmed it carried out a “precise strike” against senior Hamas figures, accusing them of orchestrating the October 7 attacks and managing the ongoing war from abroad.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir told pilots before the mission they were “settling a moral and ethical account on behalf of all the victims of 7 October.”
But the fallout has been immediate. Qatar condemned the attack as a “reckless criminal assault” and a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty.
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani warned it marked a “pivotal moment” for the region, insisting: “There must be a response from the entire region to such barbaric actions.” The Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, vowed to take “all necessary measures” to safeguard national security.
The strike has also drawn sharp criticism from Western allies. The European Union said it “breaches international law and Qatar’s territorial integrity,” expressing “full solidarity” with Doha.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a “dangerous escalation,” while Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pledged to stand by Qatar “with all resources” in a phone call with the Emir.
United States President Donald Trump, who was notified by the US military of the strike, expressed dismay. He stressed the decision was “made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, not by me,” and said bombing a sovereign ally “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” Trump said he immediately instructed US envoy Steve Witkoff to alert Qatar, but admitted the warning came “too late.”
“I feel very badly about this attack,” Trump said. “Qatar is a strong ally and friend of the US. I assured them such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”
Despite his criticism, Trump maintained that eliminating Hamas remained a “worthy goal,” and suggested the incident could become “an opportunity for peace.”
Analysts say the timing of the strike is particularly sensitive. Hamas leaders in Doha were reportedly discussing ceasefire proposals, mediated by Qatar, when the missiles hit. Analysts say the attack could derail fragile negotiations for a Gaza truce and the release of Israeli hostages.
BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen argued that the strike showed Israel has “given up on talks” and is pursuing Hamas “wherever they are.”
Security correspondent Frank Gardner noted that the Qataris, furious after months of mediation efforts, now face questions about whether to continue hosting both Hamas leaders and the massive US airbase at Al-Udeid, according to BBC report.
