Israel Airstrike on Hamas Leaders in Qatar | Global Condemnation and Rising Tensions

Israel’s Airstrike on Hamas Leaders in Qatar Sparks Global Outcry

On September 10, 2025, tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically after Israel launched an airstrike in Doha, Qatar’s capital. The operation targeted senior Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashal, leaving at least six people dead. The attack has provoked a wave of outrage from Qatar and across the Arab world.

Israeli officials defended the strike, claiming the Hamas leadership based in Doha was actively plotting new assaults against Israel, labeling them a “legitimate target.” In response, Qatar condemned the airstrike as a violation of its sovereignty, emphasizing that no foreign power has the right to carry out attacks on Qatari soil.

Doha has since called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to hold Israel accountable for breaching international law. The Arab League echoed Qatar’s concerns, warning the attack jeopardizes regional peace. Turkey and Iran also criticized Israel, saying its actions risk triggering a wider war.

For Palestinians, the incident has intensified anger as Gaza remains under heavy bombardment, with hundreds of lives already lost in ongoing Israeli operations. Following the strike in Doha, mass protests erupted in Gaza and the West Bank, where demonstrators denounced Israel. Hamas branded the attack “state terrorism,” vowing retaliation.

U.S. President Donald Trump voiced his displeasure, stating he was “very unhappy” with Israel’s move to strike inside Qatar. He urged restraint, warning that escalating hostilities could harm American interests in the region. Trump’s statement has fueled debate in Washington, with critics pushing for stronger diplomatic measures.

The European Union also condemned the strike, calling for an immediate ceasefire and cautioning that such attacks threaten global stability and fragile economic systems.

Experts predict the Doha strike could severely strain ties between Qatar and Israel, transforming simmering tensions into an international crisis. Analysts caution that without urgent mediation, this conflict may spiral into a broader regional war.

This attack underscores how deeply the Israeli-Palestinian conflict shapes global politics, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic intervention before further escalation leads to devastating consequences.