Kenya condemns attack on Hamas officials in Qatar

The government joined several countries in condemning the Israeli attack targeting senior Hamas officials in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

In a statement issued last week by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the government described the bombing as a "clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Qatar. The ministry warned that such acts of aggression threaten regional stability as well as global peace and security.

“The Government of the Republic of Kenya notes with great concern the attack on a building in the State of Qatar that resulted in casualties, loss of life, and destruction of property on Tuesday, 9th September 2025. On its own admission, the State of Israel carried out this bombing,” the statement read.

The government further stated that the attack "violates international law, undermines the principles of peace and security that we must all uphold, and is incompatible with the United Nations’ 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States,” as it emphasized the obligation of all countries to uphold peace and respect the sovereignty of other states.

Expressing solidarity with the State of Qatar, the Kenyan government reiterated that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue, adherence to international law, and mutual respect among nations.

Qatar strongly condemned what it termed a “cowardly attack,” declaring it a breach of international law and vowing to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally accountable. Netanyahu has already been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity for his role in the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The attack sparked widespread condemnation across the region and internationally, with the UN Secretary-General denouncing it as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Senior Hamas officials—including Khalid Meshal, chairman of the political bureau—survived the attack, which killed six people.

For nearly two years, the Gulf state has played a key mediating role in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

In a statement, Hamas described the bombing as “a heinous crime, a blatant act of aggression, and a flagrant violation of all international norms and laws.” The Palestinian resistance movement further stated that the attack was an assault on the “sovereignty of the sisterly State of Qatar and revealed the criminal nature of the occupation and its intent to undermine any chances of reaching an agreement.”