Uzbekistan condemns Israel’s airstrike in Doha as violation of Qatar’s sovereignty

Israel carried out an airstrike in Doha on September 9, targeting senior Hamas officials living in the Qatari capital. Many countries including Usbekistan denounced the attack as a blatant violation of sovereignty and international law.

According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the strike was “a fully independent Israeli operation,” aimed at members of Hamas’s political bureau. Explosions were reported in the Katara and Legtifya districts of Doha, where several Hamas leaders were believed to be meeting to discuss a ceasefire proposal. Hamas representatives later said all participants survived the assassination attempt.

Qatar calls the attack a “criminal act”

The Qatari Foreign Ministry said the strike hit residential buildings housing Hamas leaders and described it as a “criminal act” that openly violated international law and endangered both citizens and residents of Qatar. Doha emphasized that it “will not tolerate any actions undermining its sovereignty and security,” adding that investigations were underway and further details would be released.

Uzbekistan’s response

In its official statement, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, calling it “absolutely unacceptable.” Tashkent said the strike constituted “a grave disregard for the UN Charter and the fundamental norms and principles of international law,” and reiterated its firm opposition to the use of force in international relations.

“Uzbekistan consistently stands against any actions that escalate the already tense situation in the Middle East,” the ministry said.

Global reactions

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres labeled the attack a “flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty,” urging restraint and renewed focus on securing a ceasefire in Gaza. The Arab League, along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Syria, issued statements condemning the strike as unlawful and destabilizing.

Spain announced restrictions on Israeli ministers in protest, while the U.S. Embassy in Doha temporarily instructed its staff to shelter in place. Pope Francis described the attack as “very serious,” warning that it risked igniting broader regional instability.

Ceasefire efforts at risk

The strike comes at a sensitive moment, as Qatar has been central to mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. Analysts warn the assault may derail negotiations and further inflame one of the most volatile conflicts in the Middle East.