World Leaders React To Israeli Attack On Qatar; Analysts Say US No Longer 'Reliable Security Ally' (Photo on X@angertab)
Several countries have reacted strongly to the Israeli attack on Qatar on Tuesday, September 9. The Israeli warplane and drone allegedly targeted Hamas leaders in Doha. The attack, at a time of peace negotiations, derailed the efforts, escalating tension in the region. Hamas said that five of its members were killed in the attack, including the son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya, and a member of Qatar’s security forces.
A significant escalation, Israel’s expansion of assaults on Qatar has been condemned by leaders from across the world. Qatar, an ally of the US, labeled the attack state terrorism while threatening retaliation. Qatar has called for unity against Israel and its aggression. Analysts believes that despite the Gulf state hosting the largest US base in the Middle East, the attack proves that Washington is no longer reliable as a security ally.
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Though the White House has criticized the Israeli strikes on its ally, it arguably stopped short of rebuking Israel for the attack, as US President Donald Trump said he regrets the location of the strike. The White House added that it believes eliminating Hamas, the target of the attack, is a worthy goal, suggesting a favorable tone for Israeli action in Qatar.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned Israel’s strikes, calling it” a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar, adding that the gulf nation was playing a very positive role to try and achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
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Iran denounced Israel, calling the attack a dangerous escalation to simmering Middle East tensions. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said the strike is “illegal, inhumane, and anti-peace action”, adding that it shows Israel recognizes no limits to crime and terror, and destroys every attempt at diplomacy.
“Attacking an independent country is a clear violation of national sovereignty and the UN Charter,” Pezeshkian added.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry urged the UN Security Council to take “immediate and decisive measures” to halt the attacks and ensure accountability, while condemning the attack. Japan’s chief Cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, expressed solidarity with Qatar. Hayashi slammed Israel, calling it a threat to regional security and Qatar’s sovereignty, adding that it also hindered diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the attack, and calling on the UN Security Council to hold Israel accountable. The country said the attack was a clear violation of the sovereignty of Qatar and a flagrant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations,
New Zealand’s foreign minister, Winston Peters, observed that Israel’s strikes in Doha violate Qatar’s sovereignty, risk escalation, and undermine efforts by Qatar and the US to end the conflict. He called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and full humanitarian access in Gaza.
