Urgent Alert: Irish Citizens in Qatar to Shelter After Air Strike

UPDATE: Irish citizens in Qatar are being urgently advised to “shelter in place” following a deadly Israeli air strike that killed six people in Doha. The Department of Foreign Affairs issued this critical security alert just hours after the attack on July 18, 2023.

At approximately 1:40 PM, local time, residents in Doha reported significant shaking as the bombing occurred in a known diplomatic area. Irish UN worker Niamh Collins described the scene, stating, “I felt uneasy as my building shook.” The attack has raised serious safety concerns for the Irish community in the region.

In a formal statement, Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of vigilance: “The Embassy of Ireland in the UAE is advising all Irish citizens to shelter in place, exercise caution, monitor local and international media, and adhere to local authorities’ directives.” Notably, there is no Irish embassy in Qatar, and citizens seeking assistance are directed to contact the embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The air strike was reportedly aimed at Hamas officials in retaliation for a shooting in Jerusalem that killed six people on Monday. Officials in the United States have confirmed they warned Qatar about the impending air strikes; however, it was deemed “too late” to prevent the incident.

Footage of the bombing shows a busy area engulfed in black smoke, highlighting the attack’s severity. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin condemned the action, stating it “risks further destabilizing a fragile region” and complicates efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza. He urged for a diplomatic solution: “This will require careful and detailed diplomacy, not the use of blunt military force as we have seen today.”

“This represents a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

In a notable response, Hamas has claimed that none of its senior leaders were affected by the strike. This incident marks the first Israeli attack on Qatar, a nation that has played a pivotal role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations.

In light of these developments, officials in Qatar are mobilizing a legal team aimed at holding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable for what they deem a breach of international law. The situation in Doha remains tense, and the ramifications of the attack are likely to unfold in the coming days.

As the crisis develops, Irish citizens are urged to stay informed through reliable news sources and adhere strictly to local security measures. The international community watches closely as tensions escalate in the region, raising urgent questions about safety and diplomatic relations.