Qatar has strongly condemned an Israeli air strike that reportedly hit its capital, Doha, describing the incident as a grave violation of its sovereignty and international law.
The Gulf nation vowed to pursue legal and diplomatic measures in response while stressing that it would not abandon its role as a mediator in ongoing regional peace efforts.
The condemnation came in a statement issued by the Qatari Foreign Ministry and echoed in a televised interview with spokesman Majed Al Ansari on Al Jazeera.
Al Ansari accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of showing “absolutely no respect for his partners and allies” and warned that mediators in peace processes were increasingly being targeted instead of being protected.
“Qatar will not be deterred by aggression,” he said, reaffirming that Doha would continue its efforts to facilitate negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
According to the spokesman, Washington informed Doha of the strike only after it occurred. However, U.S. President Donald Trump later placed a call to the Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to assure him that such incidents would not happen again.
The Emir reportedly cautioned that the attack would not go unanswered and pledged to deploy all available legal and diplomatic avenues in response.
Qatar is a close security partner of the United States and hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East.
Its strategic alliance with Washington has made it a critical player in Gulf politics, particularly in matters involving regional security and counterterrorism.
ALSO READ: Iran attacks US militarily base in Qatar
Analysts note that the Israeli strike, regardless of its immediate justification, has complicated an already fragile web of alliances.
“When a non-NATO ally like Qatar is struck, and by Israel of all states, it places Washington in an awkward position,” said a regional security expert. “The U.S. is trying to balance its support for Israel with its reliance on Qatar for military logistics and mediation.”
For years, Qatar has carved out a niche as a mediator in regional conflicts, including negotiations with Hamas, the Taliban, and various factions in Sudan and Libya.
Its soft-power approach has often been welcomed by global powers seeking backchannel diplomacy. However, Doha has also faced criticism from some quarters for maintaining open lines of communication with groups labeled as militant organizations.
This balancing act has occasionally placed Qatar at odds with its neighbors and allies. The latest strike underscores the risks associated with its diplomatic posture, raising fears that its role as an intermediary could make it a target in broader geopolitical rivalries.
The Emir’s warning that the attack would not go unanswered suggests Doha is preparing to escalate the issue on international platforms such as the United Nations and the International Court of Justice.
Diplomats believe Qatar will seek to rally support among Arab states and possibly push for a collective response at the Arab League.
Still, Qatar insists that its commitment to peace talks remains firm. “Aggression will not silence our voice for peace,” Al Ansari said. “On the contrary, it strengthens our resolve.”
NAN
