Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Israel’s military strike on Qatar, describing it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and warning of potential regional escalation. His comments came ahead of a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in London on Wednesday.
Israel’s military said it conducted a precise strike targeting senior Hamas leadership in Doha. Qatar, which has hosted negotiations between Israel and Hamas, called the attack a blatant violation of international law. Hamas reported six fatalities but stated its top leadership, including negotiators, survived.
Downing Street denied any prior knowledge of the strike, describing it as an entirely independent operation. US officials said Washington was informed in advance. Starmer held a call with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday night, reiterating condemnation of what he called a flagrant violation of sovereignty.
Starmer is due to discuss both the strike and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with Herzog. The visit has drawn criticism from some Labour backbenchers and 60 MPs and peers, who argue it sends an ambiguous message on the Gaza war. The government insists engagement with Israel is necessary for achieving peace.
Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, has previously backed Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. A statement he made in October 2023 claiming all Palestinians were responsible for the Hamas attack was cited by the International Court of Justice in its January 2024 order on genocide risk. Herzog has argued his comments were misrepresented.
