Why it matters:
The strike, which killed six people, including a Qatari security officer, has been condemned as a violation of Qatari sovereignty and international aviation law. It also risks undermining Doha’s critical role as a mediator in the Gaza war.
The big picture:
Israel targeted a building in Doha on September 9, where Hamas officials were meeting to discuss a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal.
Key Hamas negotiators survived the attack, but Qatar says the strike breached the Chicago Convention on Civil Aviation and international norms.
The operation has drawn widespread condemnation from governments and international organizations.
What they’re saying:
Qatari state news agency: The complaint describes the strike as a “flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and the provisions of the Chicago Convention.”
Qatar says it reserves the right to respond within the framework of international law.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that Doha is demanding a public apology from Israel and has linked this to resuming its mediation role in Gaza ceasefire talks.
Key points:
- The strike marked the first Israeli airstrike on Qatari soil.
- Qatar has been central to shuttle diplomacy aimed at brokering a truce between Israel and Hamas.
- The attack has complicated those efforts, with Doha warning it will not act as mediator unless Israel acknowledges wrongdoing.
Go deeper:
The Chicago Convention, which governs international civil aviation, prohibits the use of force against civilian airspace.
Mojtaba Darabi - Mahboubeh Habibi
