Israel apologizes to Qatar after strike on Doha residential area, signals willingness for dialogue

Israel has issued an apology to Qatar after a strike on a residential neighborhood in Doha on September 27 killed Qatari citizen Badr Al-Dosari and triggered sharp condemnation over what officials in Doha described as a flagrant violation of their sovereignty.

The development followed a U.S.-brokered phone call between President Donald Trump, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

During the call, Netanyahu expressed regret for the incident, stressing that Qatar itself was never Israel’s intended target. “Israel was targeting terrorists, wasn’t targeting Qatar,” he said. “Of course, we regretted the loss of the Qatari citizen. Wasn’t our target.”

He also welcomed Washington’s proposal for closer engagement, signaling openness to dialogue despite existing tensions. “I very much appreciate President Trump’s proposal to have a trilateral body — the United States, Israel and Qatar — to work out respective grievances. There are quite a few, but if we can try to mitigate them or put it on a different footing, I think that’ll be good for everyone.”

Qatar, while acknowledging the apology, emphasized its firm position on sovereignty. “The State of Qatar absolutely and unequivocally rejects any infringement on its sovereignty under any circumstances,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said.

“Protecting our citizens and residents is a top priority, and we will not tolerate violations of our security again.”

He further thanked Washington for its assurances. “We appreciate the commitments conveyed to safeguard Qatar from being a target, and for the efforts to ensure that such violations will not be repeated.”

The strike, which resulted in the death of Qatari citizen Badr Al-Dosari, has intensified concerns of regional escalation amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

Yet Doha stressed the incident would not deter its diplomacy.

“The State of Qatar remains ready to contribute to ending the war in Gaza,” the Foreign Ministry said, “consistent with Qatar’s approach of addressing crises through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with its role in promoting regional security and stability.”