Nigeria Condemns Israeli Airstrike In Qatar, Warns Of Rising Instability

The Federal Government of Nigeria has voiced deep concern over reports that an Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeted senior Hamas leaders earlier this week.

In a statement on Thursday, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa stressed the importance of respecting national sovereignty and upholding international law, warning that such actions risk further destabilizing the Middle East.

“This incident raises profound questions about regional stability and the future of diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the statement read.

Nigeria praised Qatar’s long-standing role as a mediator in peace talks and urged all parties to exercise restraint. “We call for maximum restraint and a renewed commitment to peaceful dialogue. Violence only deepens mistrust and prolongs suffering,” it added.

The government also extended condolences to victims of the strike, reaffirming its support for United Nations-led initiatives aimed at de-escalation and lasting peace.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained volatile since October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise assault on southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and abducting over 200 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has fueled a humanitarian crisis, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting more than 62,000 deaths in nearly two years of fighting.

Qatar, which hosts Hamas’s political leadership in Doha, has remained a central player in mediation efforts, often serving as a crucial channel for negotiations.