How Trump, UN, other world leaders reacted to Israel’s strike on Qatar

World leaders have continued to react differently to the Israeli strikes on Qatar, which took place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Tribune Online reports that the attack, which targeted Hamas leaders, hit the leadership headquarters of Hamas’ political bureau in a residential area in Doha, the capital of Qatar, marking the first time Israel has carried out such an operation on Qatari soil.

The development has, however, continued to trigger condemnation across the globe, with many describing it as a violation of sovereignty and international law.

Below is how some world leaders reacted to the attack.

Trump

United States President Donald Trump expressed displeasure over the incident, calling it “very unfortunate” and stressing that it did not serve the interests of either Israel or the United States. 

According to the White House, Trump had instructed his aide Steve Witkoff to alert Qatari authorities about the strike, but the message reportedly arrived too late. Trump later assured Qatar’s Emir that such an incident would not happen again.

United Nations 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strike as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

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He explained Qatar’s critical role in mediation, particularly in ceasefire and hostage talks, and urged all parties to step back from escalation and focus on peace efforts.

Qatar 

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani denounced the strike as a “blatant attack” and insisted that his country reserved the right to respond. 

In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry described Israel’s actions as “reckless” and a “cowardly violation of international norms,” while also calling for a coordinated regional response.

European Union

The European Union’s foreign policy arm also issued a statement, saying the strike violated international law and risked triggering a wider regional conflict.

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised the strike as a “breach of sovereignty,” cautioning that such actions could worsen instability in the Gulf. 

He urged restraint and called for renewed diplomatic efforts to restore calm.

Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the strike as “an intolerable expansion of violence and an affront to Qatar’s sovereignty.” 

He warned that regardless of the objectives, such attacks risk undermining peace, hostage-release efforts, and a lasting ceasefire in areas where Qatar plays a constructive role.

Ghana

The government of Ghana expressed “deep concern,” calling the airstrikes an “unprovoked” attack and a clear violation of international law. 

It warned that such actions threaten to derail emerging peace efforts. Ghana’s President, in a statement, extended solidarity to Qatar’s Emir and people, praising Qatar’s ongoing diplomatic engagement.

Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued a staunch condemnation of the strikes, calling them a “wanton act of aggression,” a blatant violation of sovereignty, and a grave breach of international law. 

He emphasised that the attack endangered civilian lives and showed “utter contempt for peace and diplomacy.” 

Malaysia declared full solidarity with Qatar and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable.

Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia also condemned what it described as brutal Israeli aggression and a blatant violation of the sovereignty of Qatar.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry cautioned that the continued actions of the Israeli occupation could lead to “serious consequences,” stressing that such moves represent a clear breach of international law and established global norms.

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