Qatar Demands Apology from Israel After Doha Missile Strike, Ceasefire Talks Threatened

Doha, Qatar – Qatar has issued a firm demand for an apology from Israel following a recent missile strike in its capital, Doha, warning that the continuation of Gaza ceasefire mediation efforts hinges on this concession. Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani directly conveyed this message to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their meeting in Doha on Tuesday. The incident, which targeted Hamas leadership, has drawn widespread international condemnation and cast a shadow over ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The strike, which occurred on September 9, 2025, involved Israeli air-launched ballistic missiles targeting a residential compound in Doha's Leqtaifiya district where Hamas leaders were reportedly meeting to discuss a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. While the intended targets, senior Hamas figures, reportedly survived, the attack resulted in six fatalities, including a Qatari security official, and multiple injuries. Qatari Prime Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani condemned the attack as "state terrorism" and a "cowardly" violation of sovereignty.

U.S. Space Force sensors detected the missile launch, and U.S. Central Command subsequently alerted Washington. However, a warning ordered by former President Donald Trump to Qatar reportedly arrived approximately 10 minutes after the missile had already impacted, according to sources like Axios. This delay has raised questions about the effectiveness of U.S. security guarantees and its communication with a key ally in the region.

The international community has largely condemned the strike, with the UN Security Council, including the U.S., issuing a statement of condemnation. Nations worldwide, including France, Germany, and the UK, criticized the breach of sovereignty and the risk of escalation. Qatar, a crucial mediator in the Gaza conflict, has appealed to the United Nations Security Council, underscoring the gravity of the situation and its potential to derail peace negotiations.