Kenya has urged restraint and renewed commitment to diplomacy in the wake of an Israeli airstrike on the Qatari capital, Doha, that left multiple casualties and significant damage.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Kenya expressed “great concern” over Tuesday’s bombing of a residential compound in Qatar — a strike that Israel has since confirmed was aimed at senior Hamas officials allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks.
“The attack is not only a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar,” the ministry stated, “but also poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.”
Kenya emphasised that all states must respect the sovereignty of others and act within the bounds of international law, calling the Israeli strike incompatible with the United Nations’ 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States.
“The conduct violates international law, undermines the principles of peace and security that we must all uphold,” the statement added.
Qatar, which plays a key mediation role in the Gaza conflict and hosts the political bureau of Hamas, has condemned the bombing in the strongest terms and is now seeking to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally accountable for breaching international law.
Netanyahu, however, defended the action, stating that Israel was "fully justified" in the strike due to the presence of Hamas leadership at the targeted location. The Israeli military said precision-guided weapons were used in the attack to limit civilian harm.
Despite those claims, the airstrike caused significant destruction and loss of life.
According to reports from Doha, six people were killed, including a Qatari security official, while others were injured. Hamas sources have disputed some of the casualty figures, fueling further tension.
Residents of Doha expressed shock and outrage over the attack, with many questioning the implications for Qatar’s long-standing diplomatic role in regional peace efforts.
