- PM Shehbaz reaffirms solidarity with Qatar and Palestine amid rising Middle East tensions
- Israeli strikes target Hamas leadership in Doha, drawing global condemnation and threatening ceasefire talks
- Qatar decries attack as ‘cowardly’ breach of international law, warns of serious regional repercussions
ISLAMABAD/DOHA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, describing the attack as a “heinous and unlawful” act, a grave provocation, and a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. The strike marks an expansion of Israel’s military operations across the Middle East, reaching the Gulf Arab state, where Hamas has maintained its political base for years.
On Tuesday, Israel launched an airstrike against senior Hamas figures in Qatar, a country that has played a pivotal role as mediator alongside Egypt in ceasefire negotiations for the nearly two-year-old Gaza conflict. Qatar denounced the attack as “cowardly” and a flagrant breach of international law.
In an official statement, the Israeli military claimed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency conducted a “precise strike” targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization, without disclosing the exact location of the strike.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound outrage on social media, condemning the attack, which reportedly hit a residential area and endangered civilian lives. “On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I strongly condemn the unlawful and heinous bombing in Doha by Israeli forces, targeting a residential area and endangering the lives of innocent civilians,” he said.
On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf, I strongly condemn the unlawful and heinous bombing in Doha by Israeli forces, targeting a residential area, and endangering the lives of innocent civilians. Our deepest sympathies and solidarity are…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 9, 2025
The Prime Minister extended Pakistan’s “deepest sympathies and solidarity” to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari Royal Family, and the people of Qatar during this challenging period. He described the strike as “totally unjustified,” calling it “a brazen violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar,” and warned that such actions threaten regional peace and stability.
I spoke with my dear brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, to express our strongest condemnation of Israel’s heinous bombing in Doha, a brazen violation of Qatar’s sovereignty & international law. Pakistan stands firmly with Qatar in this grave…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 9, 2025
“Pakistan stands firmly with the State of Qatar, as well as with the people of Palestine, against Israel’s aggression,” PM Shehbaz emphasized.
Following the attack, Hamas officials confirmed casualties, with Suhail al-Hindi, a Hamas political official, telling Qatar’s Al Jazeera that the son and aide of top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya were among those killed, though senior Hamas leaders survived the assassination attempt.
Two Hamas sources informed Reuters that members of the ceasefire negotiating team escaped harm. The strike followed an evacuation order in Gaza City, where Israeli forces continue their offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities. A senior Hamas source noted that the targeted leaders were reportedly discussing U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal when the strike occurred.
We look at who was present at the Hamas meeting to discuss US President Trump’s Gaza ceasefire proposal when Israel’s air attacks struck Qatar’s Doha. pic.twitter.com/eqgu6Ydqtj
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) September 9, 2025
An Israeli military official confirmed the operation, naming it “Summit of Fire,” describing it as airstrikes coordinated by the IDF and Shin Bet.
Prime Minister’s Office:
Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation.
Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 9, 2025
Despite media speculation about U.S. involvement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated, “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”
PM Shehbaz phones Sheikh Tamim of Qatar after Israeli attack on Doha
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, amir of the State of Qatar, earlier tonight, the prime minister’s office said in a press release.
According to the press release, the prime minister strongly condemned the unlawful and heinous bombing in Doha by Israeli forces today that resulted in the loss of precious lives and damage to civilian property. He conveyed his deepest sympathies and expressed solidarity with His Highness the Amir, the Qatari Royal Family, as well as with the people of Qatar.
Shehbaz termed the Israeli attack as a dastardly act that showed the mindset of its leaders, who were willing to go to any length in the blind pursuit of their nefarious goals. He called the Israeli aggression a brazen violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar that posed a most dangerous provocation and could imperil regional peace and stability.
The prime minister assured His Highness that Pakistan stood like a rock with the State of Qatar against Israel’s aggression and called for unity within the ranks of the Muslim world at this critical time.
Thanking the prime minister for his telephone call as well as for the sincere expression of solidarity with the people of Qatar at this challenging moment, His Highness the Amir said that he was deeply touched by this thoughtful gesture shown by the prime minister that reflected the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Qatar.
Both leaders agreed to remain in contact in the interest of regional peace and security.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. military had been notified prior to the strike, emphasizing the importance of Qatar as a close ally and mediator in peace talks. She noted that President Trump directed envoy Witkoff to inform Qatari authorities ahead of the attack and expressed regret over the location but reaffirmed support for eliminating Hamas.
Leavitt also confirmed President Trump had spoken with both Israeli and Qatari leadership after the strike, urging peace and assuring that such incidents would not recur on Qatari soil.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes as a response to a deadly shooting in Jerusalem claimed by Hamas. A joint statement from Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed that the attack was ordered following recent violent incidents and was timed to capitalize on an operational opportunity.
The airstrike is expected to seriously undermine ceasefire negotiations, especially since talks were actively taking place in Qatar.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar, calling it a grave violation of international law and a serious threat to regional stability.
In a statement issued here, Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said the “highly provocative and reckless action” by Israel was a blatant infringement of Qatar’s sovereignty as well as international law, the UN Charter, and established norms governing interstate relations.
🔊PR NO. 2️⃣7️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
Pakistan Condemns the Israeli Aggression Against the State of Qatar.
🔗⬇️https://t.co/AoCekC5JyD pic.twitter.com/UupokbZRk5
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 9, 2025
“Pakistan expresses its complete solidarity with the brotherly State of Qatar against this unprovoked and unlawful aggression,” Ambassador Khan stated. He added that Israel’s conduct was “yet another manifestation of its continued disregard for international peace and security and its policy of destabilizing the region.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled position, the spokesperson said Islamabad stood firm in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar. He urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to ensure such impunity is not tolerated.
“Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly people and leadership of Qatar in defence of their national sovereignty and security,” the Foreign Office reaffirmed.
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari condemned the attack as “cowardly” and a “blatant violation of all international laws and norms,” warning it posed a serious threat to Qatar’s security and the safety of its residents. He stated that emergency services promptly responded to contain the impact and that investigations are ongoing at the highest levels.
The State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha. This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms,…
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) September 9, 2025
Witnesses reported seeing smoke rising over Doha’s Katara District, with ambulances and police vehicles converging on the blast site near a residential compound under 24-hour guard since the Gaza conflict began.
The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh condemned the “heinous” attack, calling it a serious breach of international law and a threat to regional stability. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also denounced the targeting of Hamas leaders in Qatar, calling it a “blatant criminal act” violating human standards and international norms.
Conversely, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the strike on social media, declaring that terrorists have “no immunity” and applauding the “perfect execution” by the IDF and Shin Bet.
In response to the strike, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar urged American citizens to shelter in place, while China’s embassy advised its nationals to avoid high-risk areas.
The airstrikes come days after Israeli Armed Forces Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir vowed to target Hamas leaders abroad, saying, “Most of Hamas’s leadership is abroad, and we will reach them as well.”
Despite multiple ceasefire talks brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., the nearly two-year Gaza conflict has claimed over 64,000 Palestinian lives. President Trump recently issued a “last warning” to Hamas, urging acceptance of a prisoner release deal. Hamas responded positively to negotiation overtures but insists on conditions including a full war cessation, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian committee to govern the territory.
The Tuesday airstrike coincided with a heightened Israeli offensive in Gaza City. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Gaza residents, urging evacuation ahead of an intensified ground operation.
