Israel’s Strike on Qatar: Margelletti Declares “International Law No Longer Exists” Amid Global Outrage
In a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli forces launched airstrikes targeting senior Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on September 9, 2025, marking the first such operation on Qatari soil. The attack, which reportedly killed the son of top Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, has drawn widespread condemnation as a violation of sovereignty, with Italian security expert Andrea Margelletti lamenting that “international law no longer exists” in the face of such actions.
The Strike: Targeting Hamas Amid Ceasefire Efforts
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the “precise strike” on residential buildings housing Hamas’ political bureau in Doha, describing it as an operation against leaders responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the plans were accelerated following a Monday shooting in Jerusalem that killed six Israelis, attributed to Hamas.
Qatari officials reported explosions in the early hours, with smoke rising over the city and damage to buildings near a guarded residential compound. The U.S. was notified just before the strike, but had no opportunity to intervene, according to White House officials. Hamas sources confirmed that ceasefire negotiators survived, but the attack has jeopardized ongoing U.S.-brokered talks for a Gaza hostage release and truce.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari called the assault “cowardly” and a “criminal act,” emphasizing it targeted civilians and posed a threat to residents. The incident occurred near Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East, prompting a U.S. Embassy shelter-in-place order.
Background: Qatar’s Role and Escalating Tensions
Qatar has served as a key mediator in Israel-Hamas negotiations since the war’s onset, hosting Hamas’ political leadership and facilitating indirect talks alongside Egypt. The Gulf nation, a U.S. ally with normalized ties to Israel via backchannels, has balanced its support for Hamas with diplomatic efforts, including recent meetings with Hamas leaders to push for a ceasefire.
This strike breaks a long-standing taboo, as Israel had previously avoided targeting Hamas in Qatar to preserve mediation channels. It follows a pattern of Israeli operations against Hamas abroad, including assassinations in Iran and Lebanon, but marks a rare incursion into a Gulf state. The attack comes amid heightened regional volatility, including Iran’s recent strikes on U.S. bases in Qatar after Israeli actions against Iranian nuclear sites.
Margelletti’s Stark Assessment: “International Law No Longer Exists”
Italian international relations expert Andrea Margelletti, president of the Rome-based think tank Centro Studi Internazionali (Ce.S.I.), reacted forcefully to the strike, declaring that it exemplifies how “international law no longer exists” in the current geopolitical landscape. In comments to Italian media, Margelletti argued that Israel’s decision to strike a neutral mediator like Qatar—despite U.S. involvement in talks—signals a disregard for sovereignty and norms, potentially unraveling fragile peace processes. He warned that such actions could embolden further escalations, describing Israel as an “international pariah” operating beyond accountability.
Margelletti’s critique aligns with broader expert concerns over the erosion of international frameworks, citing violations of the UN Charter and principles of non-interference. His statement has resonated in European circles, where analysts view the strike as a test of global responses to unilateral actions in the Middle East.
Global Reactions: Condemnations and Diplomatic Fallout
The international community swiftly denounced the attack. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar,” urging all parties to prioritize a permanent ceasefire. Qatar vowed not to tolerate the “reckless Israeli behavior,” while the UAE labeled it “blatant and cowardly aggression” breaching the UN Charter. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Lebanon, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas echoed these sentiments, with Iran calling it “extremely dangerous and criminal.”
On social media platform X, reactions ranged from outrage over the sovereignty breach to fears for hostage negotiations, with users like Einav Zangauker, mother of a Gaza hostage, decrying it as a potential “death sentence” for captives. Turkish officials accused Israel of “terrorism as state policy,” and the Arab League warned of “dire consequences.”
Impact on U.S. Readers: Regional Stability and Diplomatic Ramifications
For Americans, the strike heightens concerns over Middle East volatility, given Qatar’s hosting of Al Udeid Air Base and its role in U.S. diplomacy. Economically, it threatens energy markets, as Qatar is a major LNG exporter, potentially spiking prices amid global supply strains. The U.S. notification without veto power underscores tensions in alliances, relevant to ongoing Trump administration policies on Iran and Hamas.
Lifestyle impacts include risks to U.S. personnel in the region, with embassy alerts affecting expatriates. Politically, it fuels debates on U.S. mediation efficacy, echoing criticisms of past interventions. Technologically, the operation’s precision—using fighter jets over 1,000 miles away—highlights advancements in drone and missile tech, of interest to defense enthusiasts. Sports fans may note indirect effects on events like the FIFA World Cup, previously hosted in Qatar, if tensions disrupt Gulf tourism.
Conclusion: A Bold Strike with Uncertain Aftermath
Israel’s unprecedented attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar on September 9, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of condemnation, with experts like Andrea Margelletti arguing it signals the death of international law. While aimed at crippling Hamas, the operation risks derailing ceasefire talks and isolating Israel further on the global stage.
Looking ahead, Qatar’s response and U.S. diplomatic maneuvers will be crucial. As regional powers rally against the violation, this incident could redefine alliances and escalate the broader conflict, demanding urgent international intervention to restore stability.