Cyprus on Wednesday condemned an Israeli attack targeting Hamas senior leadership in Qatar as “utterly unacceptable” and a violation of Qatari sovereignty.
The Israeli military confirmed it carried out missile strikes in Doha on Tuesday targeting Hamas negotiators who were meeting to discuss a US ceasefire proposal.
The Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation violated Qatar’s territorial integrity and risked regional peace. “Hamas is a terrorist organisation. Nonetheless, actions violating Qatar’s territorial integrity are risking regional peace and security and are non-permissible under international law,” the ministry wrote on X.
The Israeli attack, in violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, is utterly unacceptable. Hamas is a terrorist organisation. Nonetheless, actions violating Qatar’s territorial integrity are risking regional peace and security and are non-permissible under international law.
— Cyprus MFA (@CyprusMFA) September 10, 2025
Cyprus…
International community condemns unprecedented strike
The attack killed five Hamas members, including the son of chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, and a Qatari security official, though senior Hamas leadership survived the assassination attempt. Al-Hayya himself, who heads Hamas’s negotiating team, was not among the casualties.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called the strikes a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting Qatar’s positive role in ceasefire mediation. US President Donald Trump expressed disapproval, saying the unilateral bombing of Qatar “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.”
Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey and European leaders also condemned the attack, with many describing it as a violation of international law and Qatar’s sovereignty.
The attack occurred around 4 pm local time in Doha’s West Bay Lagoon area, home to foreign embassies and residential compounds. Multiple explosions were heard as Israeli jets fired over 10 munitions at a compound believed to house Hamas political leaders,
Five Hamas members killed in Doha operation
Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned what it termed a “cowardly Israeli attack” targeting residential buildings housing Hamas political bureau members, calling it a criminal act that constitutes a serious threat to Qatari citizens and residents.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was “completely justified” given that Hamas leadership had “initiated and organised the October 7 massacre.” Netanyahu announced Israel had accepted a new US ceasefire proposal and suggested the attack could bring the war’s end closer.
The strike targeted Hamas officials as they were meeting to consider the latest US ceasefire proposal, which reportedly calls for releasing all Israeli hostages within 48 hours in exchange for assurances Israel would not resume the war.
Qatar has served as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, hosting multiple negotiation rounds and maintaining diplomatic channels with all parties. The Gulf state confirmed it would continue its mediation efforts despite the attack.
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