Qatar Prepares Regional Response Following Israeli Airstrike on Doha

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani disclosed on Wednesday that a coordinated regional response is being formulated to address Israel’s recent airstrike on Doha. He emphasized that consultations with Arab and Islamic partners are actively ongoing.

"A response will come from the region. It is currently under discussion and consultation with other regional allies," Al Thani said in remarks to CNN, adding, "We hope to see a meaningful response that deters Israel from continuing such acts of aggression."

The Prime Minister confirmed that Doha will host an Arab-Islamic summit in the near future to determine concrete measures against the Israeli offensive, which specifically targeted senior Hamas officials convening to discuss a US-brokered ceasefire proposal.

Expressing his deep condemnation, Al Thani stated, "I am at a loss for words to express our outrage. This constitutes state terrorism. We feel utterly betrayed."

He also directly accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining hostage negotiations involving Palestinians in Gaza and obstructing ceasefire efforts. "I had met with the family of one hostage on the morning of the attack. They were relying on this mediation as their only hope," Al Thani said.

Reflecting on recent developments, he voiced frustration: "Netanyahu has wasted valuable time and extinguished any hope for those hostages. He must be held accountable. He is violating every law, including international law."

In light of the attack on Doha, Al Thani revealed that Qatar is reassessing its involvement in future Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

Regarding reports about Hamas leader and chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, the Prime Minister noted, "There has been no official confirmation regarding his status." Hamas has acknowledged that five members were killed in the strike but claimed that the assassination attempt against the negotiating team was unsuccessful.

Al Thani added, "We are working to determine if others are missing. Some Qataris remain in a precarious situation."

Warning of broader regional implications, he asserted that Netanyahu’s actions are pushing the Middle East toward greater instability. "The entire Gulf faces heightened risks," he stated.

The Israeli strike on Doha has sparked widespread condemnation as a severe breach of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law.

Since October 2023, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 64,600 Palestinians, devastating the region and triggering famine conditions.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is confronting a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.