QUOTES-Reaction to Israel's attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar

Sept 9 (Reuters) - Israel launched an attack on the leadership of Hamas in Qatar on Tuesday, where the Palestinian Islamist group has long had its political base.

Below are comments from leaders and states in response:

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU

"Today's action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation.

Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility."

QATAR

"Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha. This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar."

"While the State of Qatar strongly condemns this assault, it confirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its security and sovereignty," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said on X.

UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES

The Israeli strikes are a flagrant violation of sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Qatar. All parties must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not destroying it," Guterres told reporters.

POPE LEO

"There's some really serious news right now: Israel's attack on some Hamas leaders in Qatar. The entire situation is very serious," Leo said outside the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, as quoted by ANSA news agency.

SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the brutal Israeli aggression and flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the sisterly State of Qatar.

The Foreign Ministry statement warned of "The dire consequences resulting from the Israeli occupation's persistence in its criminal violations and its blatant violation of the principles of international law and all international norms."

LEBANESE PRESIDENT JOSEPH AOUN

"It falls within the series of aggressions committed by Israel, which demonstrate its determination to strike all efforts made to achieve stability and security in the countries of the region."

IRAN'S FOREIGN MINISTRY

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Israel's attack on Hamas officials in Qatar is 'dangerous' and a 'violation of international law', Iranian media reported.

UAE FOREIGN MINISTRY

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemns the "blatant and cowardly" Israeli attack on Qatar, which is a dangerous escalation that violates international law and the sovereignty of a fellow Gulf state.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a statement the UAE stands in full solidarity with Qatar and supports all measures to protect its security.

TURKEY

"The targeting of the Hamas negotiating delegation while ceasefire talks continue shows that Israel does not aim to reach peace, but rather continue the war," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"This situation is clear proof that Israel has adopted its expansionist politics in the region and terrorism as a state policy."