Somalia Condemns Israeli Strikes in Doha, Calls Attack Violation of Qatari Sovereignty

Somalia denounces Israeli military actions in Qatar’s capital, calling them a breach of international law and an attack on civilians.

Mogadishu/Doha – September 9, 2025 —The government of Somalia has strongly condemned what it described as “terrorist military actions” by Israeli forces against residential areas in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mogadishu said the strikes constituted a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a deliberate targeting of civilians, in contravention of international conventions and norms.

“The Republic of Somalia strongly condemns the terrorist military actions carried out by the Israeli occupation authorities against residential areas in Doha,” the government said. It added that the actions “violate the national sovereignty of the brotherly state of Qatar and deliberately target innocent civilians.”

Qatar’s foreign ministry earlier denounced the attack as a “cowardly” and “blatant violation” of international law, warning that it would not tolerate “reckless Israeli behaviour” that endangers the region’s security.

The Israeli military said it conducted a “precise strike” targeting senior Hamas leaders it claims were involved in planning and executing the October 7 attacks on Israel. Explosions were reported in Doha as Hamas sources told Al Jazeera that members of their negotiating team were meeting to discuss a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal when the attack occurred.

Israel’s strike in Doha marks an unprecedented escalation of the conflict, taking place outside the immediate war zone of Gaza. Analysts warn it risks destabilizing diplomatic efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to secure a ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, the war in Gaza has continued unabated. Palestinian health officials say at least 35 people, including seven waiting for humanitarian aid, were killed across the strip in the past day. Since October 2023, at least 64,605 people have been killed and more than 163,000 wounded in Gaza, according to medical authorities. Thousands remain missing under rubble from Israeli bombardments.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas fighters launched an assault on southern Israel, killing 1,139 people and taking around 200 hostages, according to Israeli figures. The attack triggered Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

Somalia’s condemnation adds to a growing chorus of international criticism of the Israeli operation in Doha. Regional leaders and organizations are expected to intensify calls for restraint and for renewed focus on diplomatic negotiations.