A recent Israeli airstrike on a quiet embassy district in Doha, Qatar, has sent shockwaves through the Arab world and is testing the delicate diplomatic relations Israel has forged with Gulf states. The attack, which reportedly killed several Hamas officials and a member of Qatar’s internal security forces, was a “wholly independent Israeli operation,” according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The strike has been widely condemned by key Arab nations. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar all issued strong condemnations, calling the attack a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE, called the strike “treacherous” and emphasized that the security of Arab Gulf states is “indivisible.” In a show of solidarity, the UAE’s leader, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were both expected to travel to Doha.
The attack has also jeopardized the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza war. The Hamas officials were reportedly meeting to discuss a new ceasefire proposal put forward by the Trump administration. Qatar, which has played a crucial role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, has now stated that it is “reassessing everything” about its involvement in future ceasefire talks. Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, called the strike an act of “state terror” and accused Netanyahu of “killing any hope” for the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza.
The strike underscores a growing concern among Gulf states that Israel has prioritized military action over diplomatic solutions. This sentiment is a stark contrast to the hope that was kindled by the Abraham Accords in 2020, which saw Israel normalize ties with the UAE and Bahrain. While these accords are likely to remain in place, the recent strike on Doha has reinforced a perception among Gulf nations that Israel’s actions are a source of destabilization and a direct threat to their aspirations for a peaceful, diversified region.