PM Modi Condemns Israeli Airstrike on Doha, Expresses Solidarity with Qatar:

New Delhi/Doha, 11 September 2025 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday strongly condemned Israel’s unexpected airstrike on Doha, the capital of Qatar, which claimed six lives and caused widespread alarm in the region. The rare attack, reportedly targeting senior Hamas leaders, marked a serious escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict. The strike, which occurred at 3:46 PM local time on Tuesday, hit a residential area in Doha known for housing diplomats, foreign dignitaries, schools, and even a daycare center. Eyewitnesses described hearing multiple explosions, with plumes of smoke rising from the upscale neighborhood. Access to the area was quickly sealed off by Qatari security forces, as emergency services responded to the scene. According to Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, the attack killed six individuals, including prominent Hamas figures and a Qatari officer. Among the deceased were Badr Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi al-Dosari, a Qatari officer who was present at the site; Hamam Khalil al-Hayya, son of Hamas’s lead negotiator in ceasefire talks; and Mumen Hassoun, identified by Hamas as a bodyguard. Hamas confirmed the deaths of three others: Jihad Labad, director of Khalil al-Hayya’s office, and two additional bodyguards—Ahmad Mamlouk and Abdallah Abdelwahd. Sources close to the Palestinian movement claimed that several high-ranking Hamas leaders, including senior officials Ismail Haniyeh, Khaled Meshaal, and Zaher Jabarin, were present at the targeted villa but survived the attack. In response to the incident, Prime Minister Modi spoke with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, expressing "deep concern" over the violation of Qatar's sovereignty and the loss of life. “Spoke with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha. India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar,” PM Modi stated in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He further emphasized India’s commitment to peace, diplomacy, and the fight against terrorism: “We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation. India stands firmly in support of peace and stability in the region, and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said PM Modi appreciated Qatar’s significant role in mediating for regional peace and stability, particularly its efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages. In their conversation, Sheikh Tamim expressed gratitude to PM Modi for India’s show of solidarity and reiterated the importance of strengthening the India-Qatar partnership. Both leaders noted the steady progress in their countries' strategic ties and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest. The strike in Doha marks a significant diplomatic flashpoint, as Qatar has long served as a neutral ground for negotiations between conflicting parties in the Middle East. The targeting of Hamas figures on Qatari soil raises concerns over broader regional destabilization and the potential for escalating tensions between Israel and Gulf states. As of now, Israel has not issued an official statement confirming the operation in Doha.

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