Islamabad – Pakistan has strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes in Doha that struck residential neighborhoods and reportedly killed senior leaders of Hamas, calling the attack a “brazen violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. The strikes, which shook Qatar’s capital on Tuesday, triggered global outrage and raised fears of a wider regional escalation.
The raids targeted the upscale Katara neighborhood, causing at least six explosions, according to eyewitnesses cited by international media. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over Doha as emergency services scrambled to contain the aftermath. Israeli outlets claimed the strikes killed prominent members of Hamas’s Political Bureau – Moussa Abu Marzouk, Khaled Meshaal, and Khalil al-Hayya – while they were reportedly engaged in discussions over a potential ceasefire. Analysts warned the attack could derail fragile mediation efforts, some of which were tied to proposals previously floated by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a statement issued in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli assault in the “strongest possible terms,” branding it a reckless breach of international law and the UN Charter. “This highly provocative and unlawful aggression constitutes a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty,” the statement read, reaffirming Islamabad’s solidarity with Doha. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued a personal message, calling the strikes “unlawful and heinous.” He said, “On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf, I strongly condemn the bombing in Doha by Israeli forces, targeting a residential area and endangering the lives of innocent civilians.” Sharif pledged support for Qatar’s Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Qatari people, warning that the Israeli attack “poses a most dangerous provocation that could imperil regional peace and stability.”
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the assault as a “cowardly Israeli attack” and vowed not to tolerate violations of its sovereignty. Dr. Majed Al Ansari, Adviser to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for the ministry, confirmed that security and civil defense forces had responded immediately and said investigations were underway at the highest level. Saudi Arabia was among the first to react. Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah called Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to reaffirm Riyadh’s “full support” for Doha, labeling the strike a “criminal act” with potentially “grave consequences.”
The White House issued a rare rebuke of Israel, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt warning the bombing “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” She disclosed that Washington had informed former President Trump of Israel’s planned strike, but Qatar later clarified that it only received notification as explosions were already shaking Doha. Qatar has since suspended its mediation efforts with Israel, dealing a blow to ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending the Gaza war.
Other capitals also condemned the strike. Türkiye accused Israel of pursuing “the continuation of war, not peace,” denouncing the assault as “state terrorism.” Venezuela branded it “an act of state terrorism” and “a challenge to peaceful coexistence.” French President Emmanuel Macron called the bombing “unacceptable, whatever the reason,” pledging solidarity with Qatar. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as a “flagrant violation of sovereignty,” while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned it could set back ceasefire talks. Switzerland declared the strike a “clear and unacceptable violation” of international law. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all sides to work for a permanent ceasefire, not “destroy it,” praising Qatar’s mediation role. Azerbaijan called for prioritizing diplomacy to safeguard regional stability, while the International Union of Muslim Scholars denounced the attack as a crime against civilians.
The Doha strike forms part of Israel’s widening campaign in the region. In the past 24 hours alone, Israel has carried out attacks in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Tunisia, with Yemen targeted only days earlier. Analysts warn the widening scope of Israeli operations risks dragging mediating states directly into the conflict, destabilizing the Gulf, and intensifying humanitarian crises across the Middle East. The U.S. Embassy in Doha has since advised American citizens to shelter in place amid heightened security measures.
