Keir Starmer releases statement after Israel launch strike into Qatar

The PM has condemned the attack

Earlier this afternoon (9 September) Israel launched a strike against Hamas leaders in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

Sky News reported that Israel's military said it had "conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation" in Qatar.

It added: "Prior to the strike, measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence."

A spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry has condemned the attack that Israel have claimed responsibility for.

Dr Majed Al Ansari says the strike hit a residential premises "where a number of members of Hamas' political bureau reside in the Qatari capital, Doha".

He described the attack as a "blatant violation" of international laws.

A statement read: "The State of Qatar strongly condemns this attack, and affirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the continuous tampering with the security of the region and any action aimed at its security and sovereignty."

Keir Starmer has since spoken out on the matter, taking to X to condemn the attack.

He said: "I condemn Israel’s strikes on Doha, which violate Qatar’s sovereignty and risk further escalation across the region.  

"The priority must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a huge surge in aid into Gaza.  

"This is the only solution towards long-lasting peace."

The BBC has confirmed that Trump was informed of the attack before it happened.

Other world leaders condemned the attack.

The advisor to the UAE president, Dr Anwar Gargash, said: "The security of the Arab Gulf states is indivisible, and we stand heart and soul with the sisterly State of Qatar, condemning the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted it, and affirming our full solidarity with it in confronting this aggression.

“May God preserve Qatar, its leadership and people, and may God preserve the Arab Gulf states.”

Witness said several blasts were heard across the city.

Smoke was seen rising over the Katara District in the capital, an eyewitness said.

The full statement from the IDF and the Israeli Security Agency read:

"The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation.

"For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organisation's operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7th massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the state of Israel.

"Prior to the strike, measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence.

"The IDF and ISA will continue to operate with determination in order to defeat the Hamas terrorist organisation responsible for the October 7th massacre."