Pakistan’s Shahbaz Sharif Condemns Israeli Airstrike on Doha, Expresses Solidarity with Qatar

Kokcha News Agency: In a message posted on social media platform X, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed deep sympathy with the people of Qatar following the Israeli airstrike on Doha. He stated, “I strongly condemn the illegal and heinous bombing by Israeli forces in Doha, which targeted a residential area and endangered the lives of innocent civilians.”

Sharif added, “This aggressive act by Israel is completely unjustified, a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a dangerous provocation that could jeopardize peace and stability in the region.” He emphasized that Pakistan stands firmly with the Qatari government and the Palestinian people in the face of Israeli aggression.

The Israeli airstrike occurred on the afternoon of September 18, targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. Sources told Al Jazeera that the attack took place while Hamas leaders were reviewing the latest ceasefire proposal from the Trump administration.

Hamas, however, reported that the attack had failed to achieve its objective. The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement confirmed that five of its members, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, and three of his staff, were killed in the strike. Notably, none of the senior leaders or negotiators were among the casualties.

Qatar also confirmed that one of its security personnel was killed in the attack. Hamas accused Israel of attempting to “assassinate the negotiating delegation” and held the United States responsible for the attack. Earlier, a White House official told the BBC that the Trump administration had been “aware” of the Israeli strike on Doha before it occurred.