Today’s airstrike by Israel against Hamas leaders in Doha breaches international law and Qatar’s territorial integrity, and risks a further escalation of violence in the region.

We express full solidarity with the authorities and the people of Qatar, a strategic partner of the EU.

Any escalation of the war in Gaza must be avoided - it is in no one’s interest. We will continue to support all efforts towards a ceasefire in Gaza.

We recall that the EU and other partners listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. The EU has also adopted a new sanctions regime against Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad together with two sets of listings adopted in 2024 against both entities and individuals.