UAE summons deputy Israeli ambassador over attack on Hamas

September 12, 2025

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has summoned Israel’s ambassador to the country in a sharp diplomatic rebuke following Israel’s missile attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital, Doha. The move, reported by Israeli broadcaster KAN, underscores growing tensions between the UAE and Israel, despite their normalization of ties under the 2020 Abraham Accords.

Explosions in Doha Amid Ceasefire Talks
The summoning occurred on Friday, just days after Tuesday’s strikes, which Israel confirmed targeted senior Hamas figures, including negotiators involved in ceasefire talks for the ongoing Gaza war. Explosions rocked Doha, with smoke rising over the city, but no immediate casualties among the targeted leaders were confirmed.

UAE Condemns Strikes, Calls for Unified Arab Response
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan had already expressed solidarity with Qatar on Wednesday, labeling the strikes a “blatant and cowardly” act that violates international norms. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been touring Gulf states to coordinate a unified Arab response, with an emergency Arab-Islamic summit scheduled in Doha on Sunday and Monday to address the incident.

Strains in UAE-Israel Ties Despite Abraham Accords
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s subsequent warning to Qatar to expel or prosecute Hamas leaders was described by the UAE as “hostile,” further straining relations already tested by Israel’s policies on the West Bank. Neither the UAE nor Israeli foreign ministries have issued official comments on the summoning as of Friday afternoon.

Regional Implications and Mediation Challenges
The attack’s proximity to ongoing negotiations could complicate Qatar’s mediation role, with Iranian officials also decrying it as a breach of international law. Hamas has accused Israel of sabotaging peace talks, while Israeli officials maintain the operation was necessary to target “terror leaders.”

No Disruption to Air Traffic, But Risks Remain
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Qatar reported no disruptions to air traffic from the blasts, but regional diplomats warn of escalating risks to stability in the Gulf. Further developments are expected from the upcoming summit, where Arab leaders may push for stronger measures against Israeli actions.