ISLAMABAD/DOHA:
Israel’s strike on Qatar has triggered widespread condemnation across the Muslim world and beyond, with leaders from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other nations denouncing the assault as a blatant violation of international law and Qatari sovereignty.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a strong rebuke, calling the bombing of a residential area in Doha “a grave and unlawful act.” He said the attack endangered innocent civilians and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Emir of Qatar, its royal family, and the Qatari people. The Prime Minister further noted that Israeli aggression not only violated Qatar’s sovereignty but also underscored its longstanding hostility toward Palestinians.
In a separate statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the assault, stressing that such provocative actions contravene international law. The ministry reiterated Islamabad’s “complete solidarity” with Doha during the crisis.
Saudi Arabia also reacted sharply. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman telephoned Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to condemn the attack and pledged Riyadh’s full support for Qatar’s security and defense. “Saudi Arabia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Qatar,” the crown prince said, promising complete cooperation in ensuring the nation’s protection.
The United Arab Emirates issued a similar message of support. Senior Emirati official Anwar Gargash warned that the attack endangered the collective security of Gulf states, stressing that Abu Dhabi stood fully aligned with Doha. Oman, too, branded the strikes a “serious crime” and a “flagrant breach of state sovereignty.”
The wave of criticism extended beyond the Gulf. Kuwait called on the UN Security Council to intervene immediately, while Jordan condemned the aggression as a direct threat to Qatari security. Iraq denounced the strike as a “cowardly act,” vowing full backing for Qatar. Egypt said Israel’s assault undermined global peace and sabotaged ongoing efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East. The Maldives also voiced alarm, with its president accusing Israel of violating Qatar’s territorial integrity.
International organizations echoed these concerns. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the attack as a “clear violation of sovereignty” and urged all parties to pursue a permanent ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s actions in the strongest terms, saying the bombing of civilian areas posed “a grave threat to the safety of Qatari citizens and residents.” The ministry said security forces and civil defense teams had immediately moved to protect affected neighborhoods, warning that Israel’s “reckless behavior and tampering with regional peace will not be tolerated.”
As regional anger mounts, diplomats say the incident could spark a deeper geopolitical crisis in the Gulf, where tensions are already running high.
