Qatar Warns Israel: ‘Decisive Moment’ After Airstrike That Shook Doha

Doha, September 10, 2025 — Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has issued a direct warning to Israel after an airstrike in the heart of Doha targeted senior Hamas leaders. Calling the assault “state terrorism”, he declared that Qatar would not hesitate to retaliate against any violation of its sovereignty, describing the incident as a “decisive moment for the Middle East.”

The Strike and Its Impact

The Israeli strike hit Doha’s secure Katara district on September 9, targeting two senior Hamas figures — Khalil al-Hayya, a chief negotiator in ongoing ceasefire and hostage-release talks, and Zaher Jabarin, the group’s financial commander.

At least six people were killed, including al-Hayya’s son, aides, and a Qatari security officer. However, Hamas declared that both al-Hayya and Jabarin survived, claiming Israel failed to eliminate its intended targets.

The attack sent shockwaves across the Gulf, sparking widespread anger and raising fears of a broader regional escalation.

Qatar Rejects U.S. Claims of Prior Warning

The White House revealed that President Donald Trump had directed his envoy, Steve Witkoff, to inform Doha before the strike. Washington said it sought to avoid a direct clash with a key ally while still supporting Israel’s aim of neutralizing Hamas.

But Qatar strongly denied receiving any early warning, insisting that communication came only after the explosions. Prime Minister al-Thani publicly rejected the U.S. account, saying Israel’s actions reflected “barbarism” and a blatant disregard for international law.

Washington Walks a Tightrope

President Trump expressed regret over the incident, calling it an “unfortunate event” but reaffirming support for Israel’s campaign against Hamas. He privately assured Qatar’s Emir that such a strike on its territory would not be repeated.

The episode has placed Washington in a difficult position — trying to balance unwavering support for Israel with the need to preserve strategic ties with Qatar, which hosts vital U.S. military bases and plays a central role in mediation efforts.

Regional and Global Reactions

Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, condemned the strike as a “serious violation of sovereignty.” UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed traveled to Doha in a show of solidarity.

Russia also blasted the attack as a “gross violation of international law and the UN Charter,” urging restraint from all sides.

Meanwhile, Hamas warned that Israel’s strike would undermine ongoing ceasefire negotiations and further complicate the release of hostages held in Gaza.

Qatar’s Next Steps

Qatar announced the creation of a special legal and diplomatic task force to prepare a formal response, while leaving open the option of direct retaliation. Despite the rising tensions, Prime Minister al-Thani emphasized that Qatar will not abandon its mediation role in the Gaza conflict — though the future of those efforts now hangs in doubt.