Arab and International Condemnation of Israeli Strike on Qatar

 Smoke rises from an explosion, caused by an Israeli strike, in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (UGC via AP)
Smoke rises from an explosion, caused by an Israeli strike, in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (UGC via AP)
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Arab and International Condemnation of Israeli Strike on Qatar

 Smoke rises from an explosion, caused by an Israeli strike, in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (UGC via AP)
Smoke rises from an explosion, caused by an Israeli strike, in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (UGC via AP)

The Arab world and international community condemned on Tuesday Israel’s strikes on Qatar that targeted Hamas officials.

The Egyptian presidency said in a statement that the attack "targeted a meeting of Palestinian leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, to discuss ways to reach a ceasefire agreement" in Gaza.
"This attack sets a serious precedent and an unacceptable development, and constitutes a direct assault on the sovereignty of the sisterly State of Qatar, which plays a pivotal role in mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip," it said.

Iraq’s foreign ministry said in a statement that this "cowardly act represents a flagrant violation" of Qatar’s sovereignty and poses a threat to its security and stability.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates Iraq’s firm position in standing with the government and people of the sisterly State of Qatar, and fully supporting it in confronting any attacks that undermine its sovereignty or threaten its national security," the statement read.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the attack "falls within the series of aggressions committed by Israel, which demonstrate its determination to strike all efforts made to achieve stability and security in the countries of the region."

He urged "the international community to put an end to these Israeli practices that continue to violate all international laws and agreements and obstruct every commendable effort made by the State of Qatar to establish peace in the region and put an end to the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people."

Syria’s Foreign Ministry warned in a statement that the Israeli strikes targeting Hamas leadership represented "a dangerous escalation that would undermine security and stability in the region."
The ministry called the attack “a blatant violation of international law and the sovereignty of the sisterly State of Qatar.”

In a statement, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abou Gheit said the attack violated Qatar’s sovereignty.

He said Israel "does not care about the consequences of its shameful actions."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strikes as a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar."

He said Qatar has been playing a very positive role to try to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

"All parties must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not destroying it," Guterres told reporters.

Türkiye condemned the attack, saying Israel had adopted "expansionist politics in the region and terrorism" as state policies.

"The targeting of the Hamas negotiating delegation while ceasefire talks continue shows that Israel does not aim to reach peace, but rather continue the war," the ministry said in a statement.

"This situation is clear proof that Israel has adopted its expansionist politics in the region and terrorism as a state policy," it added.

Pope Leo expressed concern for the consequences of Israel's strikes.

"There's some really serious news right now: Israel's attack on some Hamas leaders in Qatar. The entire situation is very serious," Leo said outside the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, as quoted by ANSA news agency.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Israel's attack is "dangerous" and a "violation of international law," Iranian media reported.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the Israeli military strikes, saying they risked further escalation in the region. 

"I condemn Israel's strikes on Doha, which violate Qatar's sovereignty and risk further escalation across the region," he said in a post on X. 

"The priority must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a huge surge in aid into Gaza. This is the only solution towards long-lasting peace."

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attack as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
The ministry said in a statement that Pakistan is in "complete solidarity" with Qatar and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable.
It called the attack "provocative and reckless" and said it shows Israel’s "continued disregard for international peace and security."
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, vowing to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the Gulf nation’s leadership and people.

The Israeli attack on Doha is "unacceptable," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a statement.
"Israel’s strike in Doha not only violates Qatar’s territorial sovereignty, but also jeopardizes all our efforts to secure the hostages’ release," Wadephul said, noting that Qatar plays a crucial role in efforts to achieve a ceasefire and release the hostages.



Faisal bin Farhan Discusses Gaza, Regional Developments in New York Meetings

The Saudi Foreign Minister participates in the coordination meeting of the foreign ministers of the Group of Eight Arab-Islamic States (SPA)
The Saudi Foreign Minister participates in the coordination meeting of the foreign ministers of the Group of Eight Arab-Islamic States (SPA)
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Faisal bin Farhan Discusses Gaza, Regional Developments in New York Meetings

The Saudi Foreign Minister participates in the coordination meeting of the foreign ministers of the Group of Eight Arab-Islamic States (SPA)
The Saudi Foreign Minister participates in the coordination meeting of the foreign ministers of the Group of Eight Arab-Islamic States (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has participated in a coordination meeting of the foreign ministers of the Group of Eight Arab-Islamic States in New York.

Monday’s meeting - held on the sidelines of the High-level Week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly - addressed the grave deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the escalating violations in the West Bank.

The ministers also discussed ways to unify efforts and positions to mobilize international support for protecting the Palestinian people and advancing their just cause in international forums.

Prince Faisal also took part in the sixth meeting of the Regional Quartet Foreign Ministers, which was also attended by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan.

The Saudi Foreign Minister participates in the sixth meeting of the Regional Quartet Foreign Ministers in New York (SPA)

The meeting addressed regional developments and ways to strengthen coordination and cooperation among the group's member states to help reduce tensions in the region, emphasizing the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts to limit the repercussions of regional crises and preserve security and stability.

Prince Faisal also met separately with the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

The meeting reviewed the close ties of cooperation between the two countries and discussed the latest regional developments and efforts to contain tensions through diplomatic solutions.

After the meeting, the two ministers signed a mutual exemption agreement from short-stay visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and special passports, aimed at facilitating procedures, strengthening coordination, and expanding areas of cooperation between the two countries.

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs also participated in the ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Switzerland.

The Saudi Foreign Minister participates in the ministerial meeting between Gulf countries and Switzerland (SPA)

The meeting addressed topics and issues of mutual interest, and reviewed areas of cooperation and coordination between the GCC states and Switzerland and ways to strengthen them in service of shared interests.

A similar ministerial meeting between the GCC states and France was also held.

The Foreign Minister participates in the ministerial meeting between the GCC states and France (SPA)

The talks, which were attended by Prince Faisal, addressed regional developments and their implications for security and stability in the region, as well as areas of cooperation and coordination between the GCC states and France in addressing current challenges.

The meeting also reviewed key topics and issues of mutual interest on the UN General Assembly agenda.


GCC Stresses Importance of Elevating Ties with France

Gulf and French officials are seen at the meeting in New York. (GCC)
Gulf and French officials are seen at the meeting in New York. (GCC)
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GCC Stresses Importance of Elevating Ties with France

Gulf and French officials are seen at the meeting in New York. (GCC)
Gulf and French officials are seen at the meeting in New York. (GCC)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stressed on Monday that relations between the Gulf states and France are built on a solid strategic partnership, as well as shared interests and visions.

He highlighted the importance of continued efforts to elevate these relations and expand their scope to serve mutual interests, contributing to the support of security, stability, and peace both regionally and globally.

This came during a joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and France, co-chaired by Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jean-Noel Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with the attendance and participation of the GCC foreign ministers, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Albudaiwi noted that the meeting comes amid highly sensitive circumstances in the region, pointing to the Iranian attacks targeting vital installations and diplomatic premises that Gulf states have faced since February 28, despite these countries not being a party to the war and having exerted tireless efforts to mediate and contain the escalation.

He stressed the position of the Gulf states calling for ensuring the security and safety of waterways and freedom of international navigation, stressing the need to commit to Security Council Resolution 2817, the return of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb to its status prior to February 28, and the rejection of imposing any unilateral fees or conditions on the right of passage.

Albudaiwi commended France's position rejecting the attacks on Gulf countries, as well as its participation in international efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

On the Palestinian cause, he reaffirmed its centrality, as well as the need to end the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the Arab Peace Initiative and international resolutions.

Albudaiwi said the partnership between the GCC and France extends beyond addressing current challenges to building a shared vision for a more secure, stable, and prosperous future.

The mutual interests, visions, and political will binding the two sides form a solid foundation for expanding cooperation in political, security, economic, investment, and technological fields, as well as energy, defense, and education, he remarked.

The GCC views France as an important strategic partner, both at the level of Gulf-French and Gulf-European relations, praising Paris' role in supporting and strengthening that partnership, he went on to say.

He said Gulf countries were looking forward to the second Gulf-European Summit, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia on October 24. It will mark an important milestone to elevate this partnership and achieve tangible results in priority areas for both sides.

Albudaiwi underscored the strength of economic relations between the two sides, noting that the volume of trade exchange between the GCC and France has exceeded 60 billion euros, reflecting the promising opportunities and potential these relations possess to boost trade, investment, and cooperation in priority sectors.


Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to UAE Vice President on Death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to UAE Vice President on Death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Monday a cable of condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, on the death of his brother, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

King Salman expressed his deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the UAE vice president and the family of the deceased.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Sheikh Mohammed a similar cable of condolences.