DOHA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel’s recent airstrike in Doha, describing it as a “brazen act of aggression” and a “clear violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty. During his visit to Qatar, Shehbaz called on Muslim nations to stand together against such provocations.
In meetings with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Qatar and its efforts to maintain regional stability. The Prime Minister’s visit was also an occasion to express solidarity following the attack on September 9, which targeted Hamas officials residing in Doha. Hamas confirmed that five members, including Humam—son of senior negotiator Khalil al-Hayya—were among those killed, along with a Qatari security officer, Lance Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi al-Dosari. Israel claimed responsibility, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating, “Israel initiated and carried out the operation, accepting full responsibility.”
Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his heartfelt condolences for the casualties and emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering support for Qatar. He commended Doha’s mediatory role in Gaza and warned that Israeli actions aimed to undermine peace efforts in the region. Reaffirming the close fraternal bonds, he assured Qatar of Pakistan’s readiness to stand against unjust aggression.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. The delegation also expressed gratitude to Qatar for its support during Pakistan’s recent tensions with India. Both nations agreed to enhance coordination on regional peace, stability, and Palestinian issues.
Global leaders and organizations responded strongly to the incident. Qatar described the strike as “cowardly,” with its Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stating that the attack “destroyed any hope for hostages” in Gaza. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a “blatant violation of sovereignty,” while countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Jordan, and the UAE issued stern condemnations. Pope Leo XIII also expressed concern, describing the situation as “very grave.”
At Qatar’s request, Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to address the escalation. Additionally, Pakistan welcomed Qatar’s initiative to hold an Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled for September 15 under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) framework, with Pakistan prepared to co-sponsor the event.
Qatar’s role as a hub for Hamas’s political bureau has been pivotal for diplomatic negotiations with Israel. The recent strike, which occurred while Hamas representatives were reportedly engaging in discussions about a Gaza ceasefire, has cast doubt on the prospects for ongoing peace talks. Funeral arrangements are underway in Doha for those killed, as regional and global leaders brace for potential repercussions of Israel’s latest military escalation.
