A "Cowardly" Act - Arab World Slams Israel For Qatar Strike Targeting Hamas Leaders
The international community, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Jordan, and the UAE, has condemned the Israeli strike on Hamas's headquarters in Doha, leading Qatar to suspend its mediation in negotiations.
The Israeli strike on Hamas's headquarters in Doha has prompted sharp condemnations from across the Arab world and beyond, with many nations accusing Israel of violating international law and Qatari sovereignty. In response to the attack, Qatar's foreign ministry announced that it has suspended its participation as a mediator in the negotiations for a hostage release and a permanent ceasefire.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as a "reckless Israeli act" and a "gross violation of international law." The ministry stated that it would not take such behavior lightly and that investigations were being conducted at the highest level to ensure the safety of its residents.
The condemnation was echoed by several other nations. The Iranian Foreign Ministry called the Israeli action "cowardly" and "dangerous." Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi strongly condemned the "cowardly Israeli aggression," warning that it was a "serious threat to the security of the Qatari people" and a continuation of Israeli aggression that endangers regional stability. Al-Safadi also affirmed that Jordan stands in full solidarity with Qatar and will support any steps it takes to defend its security and sovereignty.
Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined the chorus of condemnation. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to express Saudi Arabia's full support for Qatar and condemn the "gross violation of international law." The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement denouncing the "brutal Israeli aggression" and "the blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty." The UAE's Foreign Ministry also condemned the "reckless attack" and warned of its unprecedented consequences for the region.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres added his voice to the condemnations, stating, "I condemn the Israeli attack in Qatar. All parties should work to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, not destroy it. The Israeli attack is a serious offense against international law."
Despite the widespread condemnation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement in English taking full and sole responsibility for the operation, asserting, "Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility."