Pakistan condemns Israeli airstrike in Doha, reaffirms solidarity with Qatar, Palestine
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned Israel’s airstrike in Qatar’s capital, Doha, calling it a brazen violation of sovereignty and a dangerous provocation that threatens regional peace and stability.
In a telephone call with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s “deepest sympathies and solidarity” with the Qatari leadership, the royal family, and the people of Qatar.
“The unlawful and heinous bombing by Israeli forces is a dastardly act that reflects the mindset of its leadership, willing to go to any length in the blind pursuit of nefarious goals,” the premier said, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
He assured Qatar’s Emir that Pakistan “stood like a rock with the State of Qatar” against Israeli aggression and urged unity among Muslim countries at what he described as a critical time. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Palestine amid escalating Israeli operations in the region.
The airstrike, one of the first-ever Israeli operations on Qatari soil, targeted residential buildings in the West Bay area, reportedly housing Hamas leaders, sparking widespread international condemnation.
Qatar denounced the attack as a “cowardly, criminal assault” and a “blatant violation of international law and its sovereignty.”
The United Nations Secretary-General also termed the strike a breach of Qatar’s territorial integrity, warning it could derail ceasefire efforts.
Several Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, condemned the attack as a dangerous escalation. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed full solidarity with Qatar and pledged support to protect its sovereignty.
Israel has claimed responsibility, describing the raid as a precision strike against senior Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Sheikh Tamim thanked Shehbaz Sharif for his call and Pakistan’s expression of solidarity, saying he was “deeply touched” by the gesture, which reflected the brotherly ties between the two nations.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the interest of regional peace and security.
He likewise reaffirmed support for the people of Palestine in the face of escalating Israeli aggression.