Qatar is a key US ally and a mediator in the Gaza peace talks. The attacks on Doha took place at a time when several Hamas leaders were in the city to participate in the US-backed ceasefire talks.
A day after Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in an assassination attempt on top Hamas officials in Doha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday bemoaned the attack, expressing “deep concern”. The PM added that he spoke to the Emir of Qatar, condemned the “violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and called for dialogue to resolve disputes.
“Spoke with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha. India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar,” PM Modi tweeted.
Reiterating India’s consistent position, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy and stressed the need to prevent further escalation.
“We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation. India stands firmly in support of peace and stability in the region, and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he added.
According to Hamas, at least five people were killed in the strike, including three bodyguards of Hamas leaders. Khalil al-Hayya’s son, Hammam al-Hayya, and his office manager, Jihad Labad, were both killed, Hamas political bureau member Suhail al-Hindi said.
Expressing concern over the incidents, PM Modi praised Doha’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability. He specifically acknowledged Qatar’s mediation role in Gaza, including initiatives for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
In response, Sheikh Tamim thanked Modi for his message of solidarity with the people and the State of Qatar.
Both leaders welcomed the steady progress of the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership and pledged to deepen cooperation across sectors of mutual interest. They also agreed to maintain close communication going forward.
PM Modi’s tweet came a day after the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday, “We have seen reports about the Israeli strikes in Doha earlier today. We are deeply concerned by this development and its impact on the security situation in the region”.
The statement followed Israel’s confirmation that it carried out airstrikes against senior Hamas officials in Doha, a city that has hosted multiple rounds of ceasefire negotiations seeking to end the Gaza conflict.
Qatar, a key US ally and mediator in the peace process, condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of its sovereignty. The Gulf nation said the attack targeted the homes of several Hamas political bureau members residing in Doha.
The incident marked a rare military strike on Qatari soil and triggered international condemnation, with world leaders denouncing it as a breach of international law. Qatar reported that one member of its Internal Security Force was killed and several others injured.
