DOHA, Qatar — The Philippine Embassy in Qatar urged Filipino nationals to stay indoors and avoid public spaces Tuesday night following an Israeli airstrike targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha, an attack that heightened tensions in the Gulf state and prompted strong condemnation from Qatari authorities.
In an advisory issued late Tuesday, the embassy called on Filipinos to “remain calm, monitor news from credible sources, and heed the advice of local authorities.” The statement emphasized caution, advising nationals to “stay indoors and avoid public spaces unless absolutely necessary” due to the volatile situation in the Qatari capital.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility for the strike, describing it as a “precise” operation aimed at members of Hamas’ Political Bureau residing in Doha. The IDF said it employed “precise munitions and additional intelligence” to minimize civilian casualties, but the attack on residential buildings drew sharp criticism from Qatar’s government.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strike as a “cowardly attack” and a “criminal assault” that violated international laws and norms. In a statement, the ministry said the airstrike posed “a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents” in the densely populated capital. The ministry did not provide details on casualties or the extent of the damage.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior, in a separate statement, sought to reassure the public, declaring the situation “safe” and urging residents to rely on official sources for updates. Authorities have not released further details about the impact of the strike or the identities of those targeted.
The airstrike marks a rare escalation of Israeli military operations in Qatar, a key diplomatic player in the region known for hosting Hamas’ political leadership since 2012. The Gulf state has maintained a delicate balance, mediating in regional conflicts while hosting a major U.S. military base and fostering ties with various international actors.
For the estimated 260,000 Filipino workers and residents in Qatar, the embassy’s advisory underscored the uncertainty sparked by the attack. The Philippines, with a significant diaspora in the Gulf, has frequently issued safety advisories for its nationals in response to regional tensions.
As the situation develops, Qatari officials have signaled a commitment to maintaining stability while condemning the strike’s implications for civilian safety. The international community, meanwhile, awaits further details on the strike’s fallout and its potential to disrupt Qatar’s role as a regional mediator.
