Israel likely breached Iraqi and other airspace in strike on Hamas political leadership in Qatar

Israeli fighter jets reportedly entered the airspace of several Arab countries, including Iraq, during Tuesday's strike in Doha, which targeted a meeting of Hamas leaders, according to Iraqi security experts and Israeli media.

An Iraqi security source, speaking to The New Arab on condition of anonymity, said that Israel used nearly 15 fighter jets and launched high-precision long-range missiles. There is speculation that the aircraft may have crossed the airspace of Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, or that the rockets may have been launched from outside Qatar.

These possible actions have led to questions about whether Gulf states' advanced radar systems, including Qatar's US-supplied Patriot batteries, tacitly approved or detected the attack.

Israeli media have reported that military officials said more than 10 Air Force jets conducted the strike, releasing over 10 munitions that struck the targeted building.

After the attack, many people on social media questioned whether US military bases in Arab countries are effective at protecting them from Israeli attacks.

Iraqi security and strategic analyst Aayad al-Twfan wrote on X that "Israeli fighter jets took off from Tel Aviv, heading into Syrian airspace, then across Iraqi airspace, reaching over the Arabian Gulf before finally arriving in Doha."

"The US forces at Al-Udeid base in Qatar were aware of the operation, and shortly before it began, Qatar itself was informed, which resulted in its weapons being restricted," al-Twfan added. "The attacking jets required in-flight refuelling, which certainly took place over either Iraqi or Syrian airspace, since neither country possesses radar systems to detect such aircraft, nor air defences to counter them, nor interceptors to engage them."

He also stated that some may inquire about the feasibility of Iraq's F-16s, clarifying that they cannot fly without US approval and that their duties are strictly limited to counterterrorism, as specified in the purchase contract.

He also noted that two days before the attack on Doha, Israel targeted and destroyed Syria's last air defence system, which may explain the lack of Syrian air response during the operation.

Iraq's Defence Minister Thabit Mohammed al-Abbasi on Wednesday expressed solidarity with Qatar in the wake of Tuesday's Israeli strike.

In a statement, the ministry said al-Abbasi held a phone call with his Qatari counterpart, Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

During the call, al-Abbasi affirmed Iraq's support for Qatar in facing challenges, stressing the "deep fraternal ties between the two peoples" and the importance of Arab unity in strengthening security and stability.

For his part, the Qatari defence minister thanked Iraq for its position, praising Baghdad's concern for the security and stability of the region.

The attack, which took place on Tuesday, has since caused concern among officials in the Gulf region and in Washington.

The strike killed six people. Victims included a Qatari security officer, the son of senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya, the director of his office, and three bodyguards.

US President Donald Trump stated he had not authorised the operation and expressed dissatisfaction with its execution. The White House maintains it was unaware of the strike. Some critics allege that Washington may have been complicit or unable to prevent the attack.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned the raid as "cowardly" and an assault on Qatar's sovereignty. His government has suspended contacts with Israeli negotiators and is preparing to host an Arab-Islamic summit this week.