LEGAL REVIEW RECOMMENDED

SA Condemns Israeli Attack in Qatar, Calls for Gaza Truce

PRETORIA — Recent

South Africa’s government has sharply criticised Israel for an attack in Qatar’s capital Doha on Tuesday, labelling it an “illegal” and “unprovoked” military action.

The Israeli strike targeted a residential building that allegedly housed Hamas officials, according to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Qatari media network Al Jazeera reported the attack killed five Hamas members, including a son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya, plus a Qatari security officer. The Israeli Defence Force has not commented. (no response available at time of publication)

DIRCO called the incident “a blatant violation of international law” and a breach of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It stated the attack undermined civilian protections under the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.

South Africa accused Israel of acting “against the background of the Government of Qatar playing a prominent role as facilitator to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.”

Pretoria expressed full support for Qatar’s leadership and urged “an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people”, demanding halted military operations to enable peace talks. (DIRCO statement)

Hamas reportedly uses Doha as its primary base outside Gaza, with mediators reviewing ceasefire proposals before the attack. (international media reports)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres separately condemned the strike as “a flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty, noting: “We are just learning about the Israeli attacks in Qatar – a country that has been playing a very positive role to achieve a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.” He called for renewed truce efforts.