Kenya condemns Israeli airstrike on Doha, says it violates Qatar’s sovereignty

This frame grab taken from an AFPTV footage shows smoke billowing after explosions in Qatar's capital Doha on September 9, 2025. (Photo: AFPTV/AFP)

By Lucy Mumbi
Thursday, September 11, 2025

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs called for restraint, terming the strike a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and incompatible with the United Nations principles on friendly relations among states.

Kenya has condemned an Israeli airstrike on Doha, the Qatari capital, that left at least six people dead and several others injured, warning that the attack poses a serious risk to regional and global peace.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs called for restraint, terming the strike a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and incompatible with the United Nations principles on friendly relations among states.

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“The Government of the Republic of Kenya notes with great concern the attack on a building in the State of Qatar that resulted in casualties, loss of life and property on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. On its own admission, the State of Israel carried out this bombing. The attack is not only a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar, but also poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security,” the ministry said.

The ministry further noted that the strike “violates international law, undermines the principles of peace and security that we must all uphold, and is incompatible with the United Nations 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States.”

Kenya urged all sides to exercise restraint, respect sovereignty, and prioritise dialogue over violence.

“Kenya urges all parties to exercise restraint, uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states, prioritise dialogue and diplomacy over violence and commit to peaceful coexistence,” the statement read.

The attack occurred as Qatar hosted a delegation of Hamas leaders to discuss a ceasefire proposal. Qatar, which has been a key mediator in the Gaza conflict alongside Egypt and the United States, condemned the strike in the strongest terms. Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani described it in an interview with CNN as an act of “state terror.”

According to reports from Doha, six people were killed, including a Qatari security officer, while others sustained injuries. The Qatari Interior Ministry confirmed that specialised teams were still working to “identify two individuals reported missing,” with human remains discovered in different locations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the bombing, saying it was aimed at senior Hamas officials allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

“Israel is fully justified,” he insisted, with the Israeli military claiming it used precision-guided weapons to minimise civilian harm.

However, Hamas sources disputed some of the casualty figures, while the actual targets reportedly survived the bombing. The incident has raised fears about the safety of ongoing hostage negotiations and the future of diplomatic efforts in the Gulf.

The airstrike has drawn widespread criticism, with several Western nations, including the United Kingdom and France, warning that it could derail peace talks. The African Union, Ghana and several North African countries also condemned the action.

Netanyahu is facing an International Criminal Court warrant alongside former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Both men have rejected the accusations.

Kenya, while reaffirming its commitment to international law, stressed that peace can only be achieved through diplomacy.

“The conduct violates international law, undermines the principles of peace and security that we must all uphold,” the ministry said, calling for renewed dialogue and mutual understanding to prevent further escalation.