‘Deeply concerned’: India calls for restraint and diplomacy after Israeli strikes on Doha

India on Tuesday expressed concern over Israeli airstrikes in Doha, which targeted Hamas’ leadership in Qatar, warning that the escalation could further destabilise the region.

“We have seen reports about the Israeli strikes in Doha earlier today. We are deeply concerned by this development and its impact on the security situation in the region,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The Ministry strongly urged “restraint and diplomacy”, so that peace and security in the region is not endangered.

The strikes mark a dramatic expansion of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas beyond the Gaza Strip, where negotiations over a ceasefire remain stalled. Officials in Israel said the operation aimed to eliminate Hamas’ political leadership.

Qatar sharply condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly Israeli attack” on Hamas’ political headquarters in its Capital. “This is a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said.

The strike also triggered a rare rebuke from Washington. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read out a statement from President Donald Trump, who criticised Israel for bombing “inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States”.

“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar … does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” the statement read.

While acknowledging the legitimacy of targeting Hamas, Trump stressed that Doha has been a key partner in efforts to end the Gaza conflict. He said US envoy Witkoff had alerted Qatari officials of the impending attack.

Trump spoke separately with both Qatari leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging a swift path to peace and the release of hostages held in Gaza. “The president believes this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace,” Leavitt said.

In Jerusalem, Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel had acted independently. “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” it said.