Merz calls Israeli attack in Qatar against Emir "unacceptable"

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) criticized the Israeli attack on leading Hamas representatives in Qatar in a telephone conversation with the Qatari Emir. The "violation of Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity by today's Israeli attack" was "unacceptable," Merz said, according to a statement from the German government on Tuesday evening. Merz also praised Qatar's "mediation efforts toward a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the Hamas hostages."

The war must not spread to the entire region, and the German government is "also in close contact with the Israeli government" on this matter, it continued.

Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) and representatives of several other European states had previously criticized Israel's actions. Wadephul described the "strike" as "unacceptable" and, according to the Foreign Office, spoke by phone with his Qatari and Israeli counterparts.

The Israeli army reported on Tuesday that it had carried out "a precise strike against the leadership of the terrorist organization Hamas" in Doha. It was the first Israeli attack in the Gulf state.

The US reportedly warned Qatar's military in advance of an Israeli attack on Hamas leaders. US President Donald Trump apparently instructed his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to inform Qatar. However, Qatar stated that it had not been warned.

Trump deeply regretted the attack and described Qatar as a "strong ally and friend of the United States."

Other nations, including France and the United Kingdom, have also condemned the Israeli attack on Qatar's capital, Doha. According to " Die Zeit ," French President Emmanuel Macron said on X: "Today's Israeli attacks on Qatar are unacceptable, regardless of their motives." He emphasized that the war must not spread to the region. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also warned against further escalation in the region.