In a powerful statement issued on Sunday, September 14, 2025, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas vehemently denounced Israel’s recent airstrikes on its headquarters in Doha, Qatar, describing the assault as a “cowardly” act of aggression. The attack, which took place on September 9, 2025, targeted Hamas leaders in what Israel labeled an “assassination operation.” The strike resulted in the deaths of several Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, further escalating tensions in an already volatile region. Hamas’s political bureau member, Basem Naim, urged Arab and Islamic nations to unite in a decisive stance against Israel, calling for political, economic, and legal measures to counter what he described as the occupying regime’s relentless aggression and expansionist ambitions.
The statement came as foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries convened in Doha for an emergency Arab-Islamic summit to address the implications of Israel’s attack on Qatari soil. The summit, attended by regional leaders, aimed to discuss the broader consequences of Israel’s actions, particularly its ongoing military operations in Gaza and its violation of international norms through attacks on sovereign nations like Qatar. Naim’s remarks underscored the urgency of the moment, framing Israel’s actions as part of a broader pattern of destabilizing behavior that threatens the security and stability of the entire region.
The Doha Airstrikes: A Violation of Sovereignty
On September 9, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes on Hamas’s headquarters in Doha, targeting senior leaders of the movement in what was described as a precision assassination operation. The attack claimed the lives of several Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, marking a significant escalation in Israel’s military activities beyond its borders. While the strike failed to eliminate key Hamas figures such as Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Meshal, and Zaher Jabarin, it sent shockwaves through the region, raising concerns about Israel’s willingness to violate the sovereignty of a neutral state like Qatar, which has long served as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Qatar, a key diplomatic player in the region, swiftly condemned the attack as an act of “state terrorism.” The Qatari government vowed to respond decisively, signaling that the assault would not go unanswered. The strikes not only targeted Hamas but also undermined Qatar’s role as a neutral mediator in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian resistance. The attack occurred at a sensitive moment when Hamas negotiators were reportedly discussing a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, further complicating efforts to end the ongoing violence in the region.
Hamas’s Call for Unity and Action
In his statement, Basem Naim called on the leaders attending the Doha summit to take concrete steps to counter Israel’s aggression. He urged Arab and Islamic nations to boycott Israel, isolate it politically and economically, and pursue legal action against its leaders in international courts. Naim emphasized that such measures were essential to halting what he described as Israel’s “genocidal war” in Gaza, which has caused widespread devastation and loss of life over the past several years.
Naim highlighted the timing of the attack, noting that it occurred while Hamas negotiators were engaged in discussions about a potential ceasefire in Gaza. He accused Israel of obstructing peace efforts through assassinations and imposing untenable conditions, despite Hamas’s willingness to show flexibility in negotiations. “We have shown as much flexibility as possible regarding stopping the genocide in Gaza, but it is the occupiers who, through assassinations and imposing their own conditions, are obstructing any potential agreement,” Naim said.
The Hamas official framed the attack on Qatar as a manifestation of Israel’s “treacherous nature,” accusing the Zionist regime of disregarding international covenants and treaties. He pointed to decades of warnings from Hamas about Israel’s expansionist ambitions, particularly the concept of “Greater Israel,” which envisions Israeli control over vast territories in the Middle East. Naim argued that the attack on Qatar was not an isolated incident but part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region and assert Israeli dominance.
A Critical Juncture for the Region
Naim’s statement painted a stark picture of the current moment, describing it as a critical juncture for the region and the world. He warned that allowing Israel to continue its violations unchecked would pave the way for a “law of the jungle,” where might supersedes international law and norms. He specifically criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his “fascist” regime, accusing them of pursuing policies that threaten the security and stability of the entire Middle East.
The emergency summit in Doha, according to Naim, was a testament to the Arab and Islamic world’s commitment to supporting Qatar in the wake of Israel’s aggression. He praised the leadership of Arab and Islamic nations for their swift response in convening the summit, noting that it carried “deep implications” for enhancing Qatar’s security and addressing the broader dangers posed by Israel’s actions. The summit provided a platform for regional leaders to discuss not only the attack on Qatar but also the ongoing war in Gaza, the siege on the Palestinian territory, and the need for a unified response to Israel’s policies.
Hamas’s Demands and Vision for the Future
Naim concluded his statement by outlining Hamas’s expectations for the Doha summit. He called for a “unified and decisive” Arab-Islamic stance that would include specific measures to address the ongoing crisis. These measures included:
Stopping the Aggression in Gaza: Naim urged regional leaders to prioritize ending Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. He described the situation in Gaza as a “genocide” and called for immediate action to halt the violence.
Lifting the Siege on Gaza: The blockade on Gaza, imposed by Israel and supported by other actors, has created a humanitarian crisis in the territory. Naim called for the siege to be lifted to allow for the delivery of essential goods and services to the Palestinian population.
Severing Ties with Israel: Naim advocated for a complete boycott of Israel, including the severance of all political and economic relations. He argued that isolating Israel was a necessary step to hold the regime accountable for its actions.
Prosecuting Israel for War Crimes: Hamas called for legal action against Israeli leaders in international courts, accusing them of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and beyond.
Supporting Palestinian Rights: Naim emphasized the need to secure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with al-Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
These demands reflect Hamas’s broader vision for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that prioritizes Palestinian self-determination and the end of Israeli occupation. Naim’s statement underscored the movement’s commitment to resisting Israeli aggression while seeking international support for the Palestinian cause.
Qatar’s Role as a Mediator
Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been significant in recent years. The Gulf state has hosted negotiations between Hamas and Israel, often serving as a neutral intermediary in efforts to secure ceasefires and humanitarian agreements. The attack on Doha not only targeted Hamas but also struck at Qatar’s diplomatic efforts, raising questions about Israel’s commitment to the peace process.
Qatar’s condemnation of the attack as “state terrorism” signaled a shift in its tone toward Israel. While Qatar has maintained a delicate balance in its relations with both Israel and Palestinian factions, the airstrikes on its soil may prompt a reassessment of its approach. The Qatari government’s promise to respond to the attack suggests that it may take diplomatic or other measures to address the violation of its sovereignty.
The emergency summit in Doha provided an opportunity for Qatar to rally support from Arab and Islamic nations, reinforcing its position as a key player in regional diplomacy. The attendance of foreign ministers from across the region underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for a collective response to Israel’s actions.
The Broader Context: Israel’s Regional Strategy
The attack on Qatar must be understood within the broader context of Israel’s regional strategy. Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel has pursued an aggressive policy aimed at weakening Palestinian resistance and asserting its dominance in the Middle East. The concept of “Greater Israel,” which envisions Israeli control over territories beyond its current borders, has been a recurring theme in Israeli political discourse and has fueled tensions with neighboring states.
Hamas’s accusations of Israeli expansionism resonate with concerns shared by many in the region. Israel’s military operations in Gaza, its settlement expansion in the West Bank, and its strikes on targets in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and now Qatar have raised fears of a broader regional conflict. The attack on Doha, in particular, has heightened concerns about Israel’s willingness to target even neutral states that play a mediating role in the conflict.
The war in Gaza, which has been a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since October 2023, continues to drive regional tensions. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel’s refusal to agree to a lasting ceasefire, coupled with its targeted assassinations of Palestinian leaders, has frustrated peace efforts and deepened mistrust among regional actors.
The Path Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
The emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha represents a critical opportunity for regional leaders to address the escalating crisis. However, achieving a unified stance will be challenging given the diverse interests and priorities of Arab and Islamic nations. Some countries, such as those that have normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, may be reluctant to adopt the aggressive measures proposed by Hamas. Others, particularly those with strong ties to the Palestinian cause, may push for a more confrontational approach.
The success of the summit will depend on the ability of regional leaders to bridge these differences and present a cohesive response to Israel’s actions. Key questions include whether Arab and Islamic nations will agree to boycott Israel, pursue legal action in international courts, or take other measures to pressure the Israeli government. The summit also provides an opportunity to reaffirm support for Qatar and to strengthen regional cooperation in the face of external threats.
For Hamas, the summit represents a chance to galvanize international support for the Palestinian cause. The movement’s call for an end to the occupation, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and the right of return for refugees aligns with longstanding Palestinian demands. However, achieving these goals will require sustained diplomatic efforts and a willingness to engage with a broad range of actors, including those who may not fully align with Hamas’s ideology.
Conclusion
Hamas’s condemnation of Israel’s attack on Qatar reflects the movement’s broader concerns about Israeli aggression and its impact on the region. The airstrikes on Doha, which targeted Hamas leaders and resulted in the deaths of several individuals, have heightened tensions and underscored the fragility of the regional order. Basem Naim’s call for a unified Arab-Islamic response highlights the urgency of addressing Israel’s actions and supporting the Palestinian cause.
The emergency summit in Doha provides a critical platform for regional leaders to chart a path forward. By addressing the attack on Qatar, the war in Gaza, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the summit has the potential to shape the region’s response to one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Whether the summit will result in concrete action remains to be seen, but the stakes could not be higher for the people of Palestine, Qatar, and the broader Middle East.
As the region stands at a crossroads, the choices made by Arab and Islamic leaders will have far-reaching implications for peace, security, and justice in the Middle East. Hamas’s vision of a unified stance against Israel’s aggression offers a roadmap for action, but its success will depend on the willingness of regional actors to set aside differences and work together toward a common goal.
