DIRCO condemns Israeli attack in Doha as ‘blatant violation of international law’

Zuko Komisa

South Africa’s government has denounced an Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, as an “illegal” and “unprovoked” attack that constitutes a “blatant violation of international law.”
The strike on a residential building, which killed several Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, came as Qatar was mediating a potential ceasefire in Gaza.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has also condemned the attack, noting Qatar’s positive role in peace negotiations.

The South African government has strongly criticised an Israeli military strike in Doha, Qatar, labelling the action as an “illegal” and “unprovoked” attack.

The condemnation, issued through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), follows Tuesday’s airstrike on a residential building that allegedly housed members of the Hamas political bureau. According to reports from Al Jazeera, the attack killed five Hamas members, including the son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya, as well as a member of the Qatari security forces.

DIRCO stated that the strike on Qatari soil is a “blatant violation of international law,” citing breaches of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a failure to protect civilians under the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.

The department also noted that the attack comes as Qatar has been playing a crucial role in facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.

In the wake of the incident, South Africa has formally extended its support to Qatar’s government.

The South African government has also reiterated its call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to allow for peace negotiations to begin.