Netanyahu defends air strikes in Doha as global backlash intensifies

Wednesday 10 September 2025 - 09:07

By: Dakir Madiha

Netanyahu defends air strikes in Doha as global backlash intensifies

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have strongly defended Israel's recent air strikes on Doha, Qatar, stating the military operation was both justified and necessary for national security. The strikes targeted residential areas identified by Israeli intelligence as Hamas headquarters, following a deadly shooting in East Jerusalem that left six Israelis dead on Sunday. Israeli officials claimed the Hamas leaders in Doha were directly involved in the October 7 attacks and ongoing hostilities against Israel.

International condemnation

The strikes have sparked widespread condemnation from the international community. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry denounced the operation as a criminal act and a flagrant breach of international law, calling for accountability. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also criticized the attack, describing it as a violation of Qatar's sovereignty and urging all sides to work toward an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Regional fallout

Governments across the Middle East expressed strong opposition to the air strikes. Jordan warned of severe consequences for Qatari civilian security, while Iraq and the Maldives condemned the actions as cowardly attacks. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Morocco also criticized the escalation, raising concerns about its potential to destabilize the region further.

Uncertain aftermath

As of now, no casualties have been confirmed from the air strikes, and the status of Hamas representatives believed to be in Doha remains unclear. This incident highlights a critical moment for international policymakers and regional security analysts as they navigate the escalating tensions and their far-reaching implications for Middle Eastern diplomacy.