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Israeli Attack On Doha: Here’s What Happened
If you’re in Doha, you might have felt or seen it yesterday: loud blasts, smoke over West Bay. The Israeli attack on Doha targeted Gaza government officials in Qatar, marking an unprecedented incident. Qatar’s authorities have been monitoring the situation closely, prioritising public safety while investigations continue.
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What happened?
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Early reports described several explosions echoing through Doha, with smoke rising above Katara District. Israel claimed the strike was part of Operation Summit of Fire, aiming at senior Hamas officials. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the attack a “cowardly, criminal assault” and emphasised that it constitutes a blatant violation of international law and Qatari sovereignty.
Regional support
The Israeli attack on Doha has drawn strong condemnation across the Arab world:
- Qatar (MOFA) denounced the strike as a blatant violation of sovereignty and international law.
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Iraq: Strongly condemned the attack, reaffirming support for Qatar’s security.
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UAE: Expressed deep concern over violations of sovereignty and regional stability.
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Kuwait, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Israel’s strike on the Qatari capital, Doha, describing it as a grave violation of international law and state sovereignty.
- Oman strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Doha and called for restraint.
- Bahrain: Expressed unwavering support for Qatar in the face of recent challenges, standing together for security, sovereignty, and peace.
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Jordan: Called for de-escalation and respect for national borders.
Updates and casualties
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The Israeli attack on Doha also hit residential buildings and other sites. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior confirmed the martyrdom of Mumin Jawad Hassouna Hassouna and Sergeant Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi Al-Dosari. Authorities verified Hassouna’s death and extended condolences to the families of the martyrs.
In addition, Qatar confirmed late in the evening that at least one Qatari security official had been killed, and other members of Qatar’s security forces were wounded and receiving immediate care. Hamas reported a total of six people killed in the attack.
Investigations have been ongoing to identify other missing individuals at the site, utilising Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) techniques through the relevant departments.
Qatar’s response
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Qatar has emphasised that the situation in Doha remains under control and that local authorities are prioritising public safety. The Ministry of Interior urged residents to rely on official information and avoid spreading rumors.
Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, Prime Minister’s Advisor and spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, described the strike as a blatant violation of international law, highlighting its threat to Qatar’s sovereignty and its potential to disrupt ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations and hostage release talks.
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Qatar’s Emir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, both strongly condemned the attack, calling it “state terrorism” and reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to protect its sovereignty, announcing that Qatar is forming a legal team to respond to the strike and prevent future violations.
The Israeli attack on Doha could shake negotiations
Gaza’s leadership has long operated from Qatar, which has been a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks. This strike could further complicate negotiations and disrupt ongoing efforts to secure hostage releases from previous Israeli attacks. Qatar also highlighted the repeated pattern of Israeli attacks across the region, from Gaza to the West Bank, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria, stressing that such attacks can’t go unchecked.
European response
Europe has been more critical of Israel following its attack on Doha and aggression in Gaza. The Netherlands banned two Israeli far-right ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, from entering the Schengen Area. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed suspending parts of the EU-Israel association agreement to halt funding to Israel, signaling growing international pushback.
After the attack
Qatar’s authorities have been monitoring the situation, conducting investigations, and prioritising public safety. Meanwhile, international attention remains focused on Qatar as it addresses the diplomatic and humanitarian implications of the recent Israeli attack on Doha.
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