ISLAMABAD: Widespread outrage swept across the Arab and Muslim world Tuesday after Israeli airstrikes targeted Hamas political leaders in Doha, prompting Qatar to declare it has the "right to respond" to what it called an attack on its sovereignty.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, called the strikes a “cowardly assault” and “a form of state terrorism,” warning of dangerous consequences. He vowed to pursue legal action and hold Israel accountable through international forums.
“This was a gross violation of our sovereignty and an escalation that threatens the entire region,” said the Qatari premier. “We reserve the right to respond through all available means.”
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrike as “brutal aggression” and “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty,” expressing full support for Doha. Riyadh warned of severe regional consequences if such actions persist.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE called the strike a “treacherous act,” emphasizing that Gulf security is indivisible. Senior officials pledged support for Qatar and labeled the attack a direct threat to regional stability.
Jordan
Jordanian foreign ministry called the airstrike “a blatant breach of international law” and “an unacceptable provocation.” Officials warned it undermines peace efforts and violates Qatar’s territorial integrity.
Kuwait
Kuwait denounced the attack as “violent aggression” and expressed solidarity with Qatar, reaffirming support for its sovereignty and national security.
Iran
Tehran labeled the strike a “gross violation of international law” and a threat to peace in the Persian Gulf. The Iranian Foreign Ministry warned that such moves undermine international norms and could destabilize the wider region.
Iraq
Baghdad strongly condemned the strike as “cowardly,” offering full support to Qatar and urging respect for the sovereignty of Arab states.
Turkiye
Ankara sharply criticized the strike, accusing Israel of attempting to sabotage ongoing ceasefire negotiations. “This reflects Israel’s intent to prolong the conflict rather than seek peace,” said Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, calling the attack “state-sponsored terrorism.”
Houthis in Yemen
Yemen’s Houthi leadership condemned the strike and urged Muslim and Arab nations to unite against Israeli aggression, warning that similar attacks may spread if left unanswered.
Egypt
Egypt expressed “full solidarity” with Qatar, calling the airstrike a violation of sovereignty and a destabilizing escalation that threatens regional peace efforts.
Other Arab Countries
Governments in Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Sudan, Oman, Mauritania, Algeria, and Libya issued a joint statement denouncing the Israeli airstrike as a “dangerous violation” of international law. All reiterated support for Qatar and called for immediate action to curb Israeli aggression.
Palestinian Authorities
Officials from the Palestinian Authority and Hamas labeled the strike a “criminal act” and an attack aimed at derailing ceasefire talks. Hamas emphasized that targeting its negotiators undermines prospects for future peace and violates diplomatic norms.