Starmer to Meet Israeli President Herzog After Condemning Violation of Qatar's Sovereignty

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog in London on Wednesday, a day after denouncing Israel’s airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha as “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.” 

In a call with the Emir of Qatar, Starmer said the attack “risks fuelling further escalation when the focus should be ending the devastating cycle of violence,” according to a Downing Street readout. 

File Photo Source: UK PM

He also conveyed condolences for the death of a Qatari security officer killed in the strike.

The Israeli military has said the operation, carried out with Shin Bet, targeted senior Hamas leadership, though Hamas told CNN that only five lower-level members were killed. 

Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the bombing as a breach of international law, while the White House press office said the attack on the territory of a U.S. ally “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.”

No. 10 said Starmer will raise with Herzog “the intolerable situation in Gaza” and press Israel to end “the horrific suffering we’re witnessing.” 

The government has avoided describing Israel’s actions as genocide, despite Health Secretary Wes Streeting insisting Herzog must answer how Israel can pursue its objectives “without genocide.”

I condemn Israel’s strikes on Doha, which violate Qatar’s sovereignty and risk further escalation across the region.

The priority must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a huge surge in aid into Gaza.

This is the only solution towards long-lasting peace.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 9, 2025

Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial and who has not always aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to face public anger during his visit. 

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Whitehall on Tuesday night, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Isaac is not welcome here.” Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn argued Herzog “should be in The Hague, not London.”

The meeting follows Starmer’s talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday, where Abbas endorsed the UK’s stated intent to recognise a Palestinian state if Israel does not alter course before the UN General Assembly. 

Both leaders agreed there would be “absolutely no role” for Hamas in any future Palestinian government.