Israel’s airstrike in the Qatari capital, Doha, targeting senior Hamas officials, has triggered strong international backlash. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the move as “wrong” and a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, warning that it jeopardises ceasefire efforts in Gaza and the release of hostages.
The Israeli Defence Forces confirmed it carried out a “precision strike” that killed at least five Hamas members. Qatari authorities also reported the death of a security officer during the attack.
Wong stressed that the strike undermined Qatar’s ongoing mediation, conducted with US support, aimed at ending the war and securing hostage releases. “Qatar has been working tirelessly toward a ceasefire. This strike goes directly against that goal,” she said.
Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East and has become a key mediator in the conflict, which erupted after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead and hundreds taken hostage. Nearly two years later, dozens remain captive, while Israel’s military response has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, reduced Gaza to rubble, and triggered famine.
“This strike flies in the face of what we all want – a ceasefire and the return of hostages,” Wong said.
US President Donald Trump also distanced himself from the attack, insisting he had no role in authorising it. “This was a decision made by Netanyahu, not by me,” he said. While reiterating that eliminating Hamas remained a “worthy goal”, Trump revealed he had instructed his team to warn the Qataris when he learned of the impending strike, but “it was too late”.
The incident risks escalating regional instability, with governments warning that military operations in third countries threaten to expand the Gaza conflict and derail diplomatic efforts.
