Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan on Wednesday joined a chorus of international voices condemning Israel’s air strike in Doha, which targeted senior Hamas officials, calling it a grave violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a provocation that endangers regional peace.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X, described the strike as “unlawful and heinous,” saying it had endangered innocent civilians by hitting a residential area in the Qatari capital.
“This act of aggression by Israel is totally unjustified, a brazen violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a most dangerous provocation that could imperil regional peace and stability,” Shehbaz said.
He expressed solidarity with Doha, adding that Pakistan “stands firmly with the State of Qatar, as well as with the people of Palestine against Israel’s aggression.”
Read More: Qatar Lauds Pakistan Armed Forces’ Role in Counterterrorism
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also issued a strong rebuke, terming the attack “reprehensible” and “a blatant violation of international law.” He reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering support for the people and the State of Qatar in these grave times.”
Israel later confirmed responsibility for the strike. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”
Qatar, long home to Hamas’s political office, reacted with fury. Its foreign ministry denounced the attack as a “cowardly strike” and a “blatant violation of international laws and norms” that threatened the safety of its citizens and residents. “Qatar will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari wrote on X.
The international community voiced alarm over the escalation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it a “flagrant violation of sovereignty” and urged all sides to work toward a permanent ceasefire.
Read More: Hamas Response to Gaza Truce ‘Very Positive’, Says Qatar
Saudi Arabia condemned the strike “in the strongest terms,” branding it “brutal aggression” with dangerous consequences for the region. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun said it was part of Israel’s “series of aggressions” undermining regional stability.
Iran labelled the attack “dangerous” and an “open breach of international law,” while the UAE described it as a “cowardly escalation” and pledged solidarity with Qatar.
Turkiye said the strike proved Israel had no genuine interest in peace, accusing it of pursuing “expansionist politics” and using “terrorism as state policy.”
Jordan also joined the chorus of condemnation, warning of growing instability.
Pope Leo weighed in, describing the situation as “very serious” and urging restraint.
The Doha strike has added fresh volatility to a region already under strain, underscoring fears that the conflict could expand well beyond Gaza.
