Israel's Qatar Strike Draws Widespread Global Condemnation

Israel’s September 9 airstrikes on Qatar have drawn strong international criticism. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and the European Union condemned the attacks, citing concerns over regional stability and the potential disruption of ongoing peace efforts in Gaza.

The European Union described the strikes as a violation of international law. The United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords, called the attack “blatant and cowardly.” Pope Leo XIV expressed concern about the consequences of the strike, stating, “The situation is very serious.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the airstrike, noting Qatar’s positive role in mediating peace in Gaza and facilitating the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The strike came a day after Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for an attack at a bus stop in the Jerusalem suburbs on September 8, which killed six people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, calling it “fully justified” in response to the attack in Jerusalem and the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in Gaza.