AU, World Leaders condemn Israel’s attack on Qatar
Israel carried out a rare airstrike on Qatari soil Tuesday, targeting senior Hamas leaders gathered in Doha for ceasefire talks, in a move that triggered widespread international condemnation and threatened ongoing mediation efforts in the Middle East.
The strike hit the upscale Leqtaifiya district of Doha, where Hamas officials had convened to discuss a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal for Gaza. While top Hamas leaders survived, at least six people were killed, including the son of senior official Khalil al-Hayya, three bodyguards, al-Hayya’s office head, and a Qatari internal security officer. Several others were wounded.
Israel’s government described the operation as a “precise strike” against militants it holds responsible for attacks on Israeli civilians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said they bore full responsibility for the decision.
The attack marks the first known Israeli strike on Qatar, a Gulf state that has long played a central role in peace mediation. Qatar swiftly condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty and international law, warning it could undermine delicate negotiations to secure a Gaza ceasefire and hostage releases.
Global reactions were swift. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan denounced the strike as “state terrorism.” U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the attack breached Qatar’s sovereignty and called for restraint. U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has leaned on Qatar’s mediation role, said he was “very unhappy” with Israel’s actions, warning the strike did not advance either American or Israeli goals. The United Nations and several Gulf and European states also issued condemnations.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf added his voice, warning the assault “risks endangering an already fragile situation in the Middle East.” He renewed AU calls for restraint, protection of civilians, and respect for sovereignty, while praising Qatar’s longstanding role in peace diplomacy.
The strike threatens to derail negotiations that had shown tentative progress. Qatar, together with Egypt, has been a key mediator between Israel and Hamas since the outbreak of the Gaza war. Following the attack, Doha said it would review its role in the talks.
The UN Security Council convened an emergency session late Tuesday to address the escalating crisis.
