Doha calls it violation of sovereignty with attack seen as move to sabotage Gaza peace deal

The international community sharply condemned Israel’s airstrike in Doha that targeted the Hamas’ negotiating team members as severe violations of international law and an attempt to sabotage a Gaza peace deal. However, Israeli officials vowed to continue fighting Hamas leaders “everywhere” and to target countries that fail to act against them.

Israel launched an unprecedented airstrike in the Qatari capital of Doha on Sept 9, targeting a building that houses senior Hamas officials in what Israeli authorities described as an attempt to assassinate leaders of the group.

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

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the strike as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He insisted that all parties must focus on achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, “not destroying it”.

“China strongly condemns the attack yesterday in Doha, Qatar and firmly opposes Israel’s violation of Qatar’s territorial integrity and national security,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian’s Regular Press Conference in Beijing on Sept 10.

“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, adding that dialogue and negotiation are the way out.

Lin said China is deeply concerned about reports that Israel had notified the United States 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.

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

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. Another report mentioned the US message only reached Qatar soon after the strike.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Sept 10 the Doha strike was part of an operation dubbed “Fire Summit” aimed at killing Hamas’ top leadership.

Qatar said it will adopt a “comprehensive” approach to respond to the Israeli strike and deter future attacks, noting that the country will not tolerate any violations of its sovereignty.

Qatar has been coordinating with the US and Egypt for a Gaza ceasefire. In a show of solidarity, leaders from the Gulf states and Arab League, 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 either arrived in Doha or arranged visits to Doha.

Russia, Iran, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkiye, among others also condemned the Israeli attack.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at Downing Street on Sept 10, during which he strongly condemned Israel’s recent strike in Doha, Qatar, as “completely unacceptable,” said a Downing Street spokesperson.

Starmer said the strikes represented “a flagrant violation of a key partner’s sovereignty”.

Starmer urged Israel to change course. He stressed that Israel must allow humanitarian aid into the territory and halt offensive operations to prevent the worsening of what he called a “man-made famine”.

Zhang Yunbi in Beijing and Xinhua contributed to this story.