Israel Apologises for Qatar Attack
In a significant diplomatic victory for Qatar, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a formal apology for an airstrike on a residential neighbourhood in Doha, which targeted the headquarters of the Hamas negotiating delegation and resulted in the death of Qatari citizen Badr Al-Dosari. The apology, as per a statement from the Qatar Prime Minister’s Office, was conveyed during a phone call on September 29, 2025, facilitated by US President Donald Trump, involving Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.
The Israeli strike, described as a “spectacular failure” by observers, violated Qatar’s sovereignty, prompting a stern response from Doha. Qatar’s leadership made it clear that any infringement on its sovereignty was unacceptable and demanded an apology for both the killing of Al-Dosari and the breach of its territorial integrity. Additionally, Qatar sought guarantees that such actions would not be repeated. Initially, Netanyahu’s response was defiant, threatening to act again if Qatar failed to hold Hamas accountable. However, under pressure from President Trump, who recognised Qatar’s critical role in mediating talks with Hamas and does not want the Gulf nation moving away from its fold, Netanyahu relented.
During the call, Netanyahu expressed regret for the attack, apologised for violating Qatar’s sovereignty, and pledged that Israel would refrain from targeting Qatari territory in the future. Sheikh Mohammed thanked President Trump for his efforts to secure peace in the region and reiterated Qatar’s commitment to protecting its citizens and residents. He also affirmed Doha’s resolve to continue its diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza, aligning with the US-led initiative to promote regional stability.
The apology holds particular significance as it happened right before President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan was unveiled to address the ongoing conflict. The plan outlines a vision for a “deradicalised, terror-free” Gaza, with immediate steps including a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and the release of hostages. It also proposes extensive humanitarian aid, infrastructure rehabilitation, and the establishment of a temporary Palestinian governance committee under international oversight. The plan, which includes contributions from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, aims to rebuild Gaza as a prosperous economic zone while ensuring security for Israel and its neighbours.
Here is Qatar statement:
Israel apologizes for its attack on Qatar during a call between the US President, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Israeli Prime Minister
Doha| September 29, 2025
HE President of the United States of America, Donald Trump held a phone call HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and Prime Minister of Israel, as part of US efforts to address the repercussions of the Israeli aggression that targeted a residential neighborhood in Doha, which housed the headquarters of the Hamas negotiating delegation, and the resulting flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar.
At the beginning of the call, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked HE the U.S. President for his efforts to achieve peace in the region, including guarantees that aggression against the State of Qatar would not be repeated and the United States commitment to its defense partnership with Qatar.
During the call, the Israeli Prime Minister apologized for the attack on Doha and on Qatar’s soviergnty, which resulted in the martyrdom of Qatari citizen Badr Al-Dosari, pledging to not repeat any targeting of Qatari territory in the future.
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar’s absolute and unequivocal rejection of any infringement on its sovereignty under any circumstances, emphasizing that protecting its citizens and residents is a top priority. HE further expressed appreciation for the assurances conveyed to safeguard the State of Qatar from being a target, and for the commitments undertaken to ensure that such violations will not be repeated.
This underscores the State of Qatar’s readiness to continue engaging in efforts to bring an end to the war in the Gaza Strip, within the framework of the U.S.
President’s initiative, which reflects the consistent approach of Qatar in addressing crises through diplomatic means, and in line with its role in promoting regional security and stability.
