Kenya condemns Israeli strike on Qatar, cites violation of sovereignty
Both Kenya and Qatar have been designated as major non-NATO allies by the United States
Kenya has expressed concern over Israel’s bombing in Doha, Qatar, saying the strike threatens the Gulf state’s security and international peace.
Both Kenya and Qatar have been designated as major non-NATO allies by the United States.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs today, Kenya said it was deeply concerned by the attack that left casualties, destroyed property, and violated the sovereignty of Qatar.
“On its own admission, the State of Israel carried out this bombing,” the ministry said adding that such conduct flouts international law and undermines the principles of peaceful coexistence enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on Friendly Relations among states.
Kenya called on both countries and the international community to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue over escalation.
“Kenya urges all parties to exercise restraint, uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states, prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over violence and commit to peaceful coexistence.”
The statement follows Tuesday’s attack in Doha, where Israeli airstrikes hit residential buildings housing several leaders of Hamas.
Qatar, which plays a key mediation role in the Gaza conflict and hosts the political bureau of Hamas, has condemned the bombing in the strongest terms and is now seeking to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally accountable for breaching international law.
Netanyahu, however, defended the action, stating that Israel was “fully justified” in the strike due to the presence of Hamas leadership at the targeted location.
The Israeli military said precision-guided weapons were used in the attack to limit civilian harm.
Despite those claims, the airstrike caused significant destruction and loss of life.
According to reports from Doha, six people were killed, including a Qatari security official, while others were injured.
Among the dead were Humam Al-Hayya (Abu Yahya) – son of chief negotiator al-Hayya, Jihad Labad (Abu Bilal) – director of al-Hayya’s office, Abdullah Abdul Wahid (Abu Khalil), Moamen Hassouna (Abu Omar), Ahmed Al-Mamluk (Abu Malik) and Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi – Qatari internal security forces.
However, Hamas sources have since disputed some of the casualty figures, fueling further tension. Residents of Doha expressed shock and outrage over the attack, with many questioning the implications for Qatar’s long-standing diplomatic role in regional peace efforts.
Several others were wounded.
