Europe Vows Tougher Stance Against Israel Subsequent to Strikes on Qatar

(MENAFN) Following an Israeli airstrike on the Qatari capital of Doha this week, the European Union (EU), the United Nations, and multiple European nations have adopted a tougher stance against Israel's expanding military actions across the Middle East.

The Tuesday afternoon attack in Doha, which targeted a site allegedly used by senior Hamas officials, resulted in the deaths of six people, including escorts and a Qatari security officer. Hamas reported that its leadership delegation survived the strike.

Global backlash was swift. On Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the attack as "a flagrant violation" of Qatari sovereignty, while EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni stated that it violated "international law and Qatar's territorial integrity, and risks a further escalation of violence in the region."

Spain issued its most severe rebuke yet. Within hours of the Doha raid, the Spanish government approved a decree formalizing its arms embargo, which prohibits ships carrying weapons or fuel to Israel from docking at Spanish ports and bars Israeli defense aircraft from Spanish airspace. The decree also increases humanitarian aid to Gaza and denies entry to Spanish territory for Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

A day earlier, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez foreshadowed these measures in a televised address, calling them "a necessary step to alleviate Palestinian suffering." He affirmed Spain's resolve to spearhead Europe's response.

Other European countries joined Spain in condemning the strike. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called it "a serious violation of international law." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the strike during discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul labeled Israel's attack "unacceptable" and cautioned that it endangers ongoing negotiations for the release of Hamas-held hostages. The Slovenian Foreign Ministry, via social media, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Qatar.

MENAFN10092025000045017169ID1110043505