Israeli strike in Qatar draws wide criticism

JERUSALEM/DOHA — Israel launched an unprecedented airstrike in the Qatari capital of Doha on Tuesday, targeting a building housing senior Hamas officials in what Israeli authorities described as an attempt to assassinate leaders of the group, a move that has drawn international condemnation.

Five members of Hamas and a Qatari security officer were killed, while key members of the negotiating team survived.

The attack occurred while its delegation was discussing a new US proposal presented by US President Donald Trump, Hamas said, accusing Israel of attempting to sabotage international mediation.

The group condemned the strike as "an assault on the sovereignty of Qatar, which, along with Egypt, has played a central role in ceasefire and prisoner exchange mediation". It held Washington "jointly responsible due to its continued support for Israel".

The attack on Tuesday drew swift condemnation from Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict that hosts Hamas' political bureau. The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as a "serious threat to the security of Qatari citizens and residents" and a violation of its sovereignty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it "a wholly independent Israeli operation". "Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility," he said in a statement after the attack.

Meanwhile, the Israeli ambassador to the United States defended the attack by saying that if Israel did not kill Hamas leaders in an airstrike on Qatar on Tuesday, it would succeed next time.

"Right now, we may be subject to a little bit of criticism. They'll get over it. And Israel is being changed for the better," Yechiel Leiter told Fox News' Special Report program late on Tuesday.

In the US, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters later in the day that the administration was informed by the US military that Israel was striking Hamas targets, "which very unfortunately, were located in a section of Doha, the capital of Qatar".

Leavitt said that Trump "immediately directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatar of the impending attack, which he did".

However, Qatar denied having prior knowledge, calling such claims "baseless".

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the strike as a "flagrant violation" of Qatar's sovereignty.

Show of solidarity

In a show of solidarity, leaders from the Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have arrived in Doha or have arranged visits to Doha.

China "strongly condemns" the attack in Doha and firmly opposes Israel's actions that violated Qatar's territorial sovereignty and national security, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

"We are deeply concerned that the attack may lead to further escalation of tensions in the region, and we are displeased with the deliberate efforts of relevant parties to undermine the Gaza ceasefire talks," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.

Referring to the ongoing Gaza conflict, Lin said force can never be traded for peace in the Middle East, and dialogue and negotiation are the way out.

Lin said that China is deeply concerned about the reports that Israel had notified the US prior to its airstrike in Doha.

"We urge the major country to prioritize the peace and stability of the region, uphold a fair and responsible attitude, and work with the international community to play a constructive role in promoting a ceasefire and easing regional tensions," Lin said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday she will seek sanctions and a partial trade suspension against Israel.

Other countries and organizations, including Russia, Iran, the United Kingdom, Germany, Turkiye and the Arab League, condemned the Israeli attack.

In Israel, the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza said they were apprehensive about the fate of their loved ones after the Doha strike. Families of some of the hostages said they were outraged by Tuesday's assassination attempt in Doha, fearing Hamas could take retribution against their loved ones.

"Why does the prime minister insist on blowing up every small chance for a deal?" Einav Zangauker, whose son was kidnapped during the conflict, said in a video.

Cui Haipei in Dubai and Zhang Yunbi in Beijing contributed to this story.

Xinhua - Agencies