Sir Keir Starmer has launched a scathing condemnation of Israel after the IDF carried out unprecedented airstrikes targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar’s capital Doha, warning the attack violates sovereignty and risks dangerous regional escalation.
The Prime Minister’s sharp rebuke came hours after Israeli fighter jets struck residential buildings housing Hamas political bureau members on Tuesday afternoon, marking the first time Israel has attacked the Gulf state that has served as a crucial mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Despite the diplomatic crisis, Downing Street confirmed Sir Keir’s controversial meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog will proceed as scheduled today.
I condemn Israel’s strikes on Doha, which violate Qatar’s sovereignty and risk further escalation across the region,” the Prime Minister declared on social media platform 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.”
Unprecedented Attack Rocks Diplomatic Quarter
The Israeli military operation, codenamed “Summit of Fire”, deployed more than ten fighter jets that launched over ten munitions at a single target in Doha’s Katara District at approximately 4pm local time. The attack targeted a meeting of Hamas’s top leaders in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Tuesday, as they were said to be gathered to discuss a new US-sponsored hostage-ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions that shook buildings across the Qatari capital, with thick plumes of black smoke visible rising from behind residential areas. Videos shared on social media showed people running through the streets while thick plumes of smoke rose in the distance. The strikes occurred in an area home to several foreign embassies, heightening international concern.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry confirmed a member of its Internal Security Force was killed in the attack, with several others injured. Hamas stated five of its members died in the strikes, including the son of chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and his office director, though the group claimed its senior leadership survived the assassination attempt.
International Backlash Intensifies
The attack has triggered widespread international condemnation, with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani describing Israel’s actions as “state terrorism” and “treachery”. He revealed Israel used weapons undetectable by radar and confirmed Qatar received no advance warning, with the first call coming ten minutes after the bombing.
The White House issuing rare public criticism of Israel’s action and several other countries, including regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, condemning the strike. US President Donald Trump distanced himself from the operation, stating on Truth Social that it “does not advance Israel or America’s goals” and was “a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, not a decision made by me.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the strike “unfortunate”, emphasising that “unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace” undermines regional stability objectives.
UK Response and Herzog Visit Controversy
Sir Keir spoke directly with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday evening, reiterating that “Israel’s action represents a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty” and offering condolences for the Qatari security officer killed. The Prime Minister also “underscored his gratitude at the indispensable role Qatar has played in trying to reach a ceasefire” and welcomed the Emir’s determination to continue peace talks despite the attack.
The timing of the strikes has created a diplomatic minefield for Downing Street, coming just hours before Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s scheduled UK visit. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman confirmed the meeting will proceed, stating Sir Keir “will raise the intolerable situation in Gaza, the action Israel must take to end the horrific suffering we’re witnessing. It cannot go on any longer.”
However, the visit has sparked fierce opposition. Over 60 UK lawmakers expressed “grave concerns” in a letter to the Prime Minister, citing Herzog’s previous claims that there are “no innocent civilians in Gaza” and warning that welcoming him “risks suggesting that the UK is indifferent to its international legal responsibilities” under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Protests and Political Pressure
Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters gathered on Whitehall opposite Downing Street on Tuesday evening, with demonstrators waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Isaac is not welcome here” and “Keir Starmer shame on you. One protester’s sign read “Isaac Herzog genocide defender not welcome here!”
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now sitting as an Independent MP for Islington North, addressed the crowd, declaring Israel has “lost all world respect” following the Qatar strikes. “Unfortunately, it’s British weapons, British planes and British bombs that are providing some of the wherewithal for Israel to commit these war crimes,” Corbyn stated, adding Herzog “shouldn’t be on a flight to London, he should be on a flight to Amsterdam and from there to the Hague.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting had earlier called for Herzog to answer allegations of war crimes and ethnic cleansing, though Number 10 did not repeat these demands, instead underlining Sir Keir’s “revulsion” at the suffering in Gaza.
Ceasefire Talks in Jeopardy
The strikes have potentially derailed crucial ceasefire negotiations at a critical juncture. A senior Qatari official directly involved in the talks told NBC News that Qatar is assessing whether negotiations will continue. The attack occurred as Hamas leadership was reportedly discussing a new US-proposed framework that would see all remaining hostages released within 48 hours in exchange for assurances Israel would not resume the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, stating “the days when the heads of terror enjoyed immunity anywhere are over” and claiming the strike could “open the door to the immediate end of the war.” An IDF spokesman said the targeted leaders were “directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed deep concern, stating they were following developments “with deep concern and heavy anxiety”, warning “the chance of bringing them back now faces greater uncertainty than ever before.” Einav Zangauker, mother of an Israeli hostage, said the strike could serve as “a death sentence” for her son, asking “Why is he insisting on blowing up every chance for a deal?”
Regional Implications
The unprecedented nature of Israel conducting military operations within Qatar, a key US ally hosting America’s largest regional military base at Al Udeid, marks a significant escalation. Qatar has long served as neutral territory for sensitive diplomatic negotiations, including hosting the Afghan Taliban office during US talks.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strikes as a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar”, emphasising Qatar “has been playing a very positive role to achieve a ceasefire and release of all hostages.”
The attack follows Monday’s shooting at a Jerusalem bus stop that killed six people, for which Hamas claimed responsibility. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the airstrikes were “completely justified” as retaliation for “murderous attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza.”
As diplomatic tensions reach boiling point, Sir Keir faces the delicate task of balancing criticism of Israeli actions with maintaining dialogue through Herzog’s visit. The Prime Minister has pledged to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly later this month if Israel does not change course, having hosted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday evening where both agreed there would be “absolutely no role” for Hamas in future Palestinian governance.
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