Russia Attacks Israel After Bombing Doha: A New Threat to Regional Stability

In a new escalation that threatens the fragile peace efforts in the Middle East, Russia today, Wednesday, expressed its strong condemnation of the Israeli attack that targeted leaders of Hamas inside the Qatari capital, Doha, considering this act a blatant violation of international law and an infringement on the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, which plays a pivotal role in mediating to end the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip for nearly two years.

In an official statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that "the Israeli missile attack on the territory of the independent State of Qatar can only be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to undermine international efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict," adding that this step "poses a serious threat to the stability of the entire region and deserves the strongest condemnation."

Moscow emphasized that resorting to such methods in "pursuing those whom Israel considers its enemies outside its borders" carries grave risks and reflects a blatant disregard for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

Russia also called on all concerned parties to "exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that could escalate the situation and complicate efforts to reach a political settlement."

The Russian stance coincides with the UN Security Council holding an emergency meeting today, Wednesday, at the request of Algeria and several member states, to discuss the repercussions of the sudden Israeli attack on Qatari territory.

Hamas had previously announced the killing of six of its members in the attack that took place yesterday, Tuesday, in one of Doha's neighborhoods, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya, one of the movement's most prominent leaders abroad and one of its most influential figures.

The Qatari government condemned the attack, describing it as "a blatant violation of all laws and international standards, and a direct threat to the security and safety of the population on its territory."

For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the operation by saying it was "a response to two attacks that targeted Israeli citizens and soldiers, one of which occurred in Jerusalem and the other in Gaza," without providing additional details about the circumstances of the operation in Doha.

Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, plays a key role in mediating between Israel and Hamas, especially regarding ceasefire negotiations and prisoner exchanges, despite these negotiations stalling for several months.

Observers fear that this operation could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts and complicate the political and security landscape in the region, especially in light of escalating tensions and the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip for nearly two years without any clear prospect for a solution.