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RIYADH: ������Ƶ on Tuesday strongly condemned what it described as a “brutal Israeli aggression” against Qatar following an attack on the capital Doha, which Israel said was a strike targeting Hamas officials in the city.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the strike as “a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter” and warned it would further destabilize the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The Kingdom warned of the dire consequences resulting from Israel’s persistence in its criminal violations and its blatant violation of the principles of international law and all international norms.

������Ƶ called on the international community to condemn this heinous aggression and put an end to Israeli violations that undermine the security and stability of the region.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, reaffirming the Kingdom’s “full solidarity” with Qatar after the “blatant Israeli attack on the State of Qatar, which constitutes a criminal act and a flagrant violation of international laws and norms,” SPA reported.

He pledged to place “all capabilities” at Qatar’s disposal to support any measures taken to protect its security and sovereignty.

The UAE also denounced the attack, with Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan calling it a “blatant and cowardly” violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law.

He reaffirmed the UAE’s full solidarity with Doha, urged an immediate halt to military escalation, and warned that unchecked Israeli actions risk dragging the region into dangerous instability with grave consequences for global security, the Emirates News Agency reported.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry said it would not “tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour, the ongoing tampering with regional security and any action targeting Qatar's security and sovereignty.”

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates also strongly condemned the Israeli bombing of Doha, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter, and a blatant attack on Qatar’s sovereignty and security.”

Ministry spokesperson Fuad Majali said the attack risked pushing the region toward “further violence and conflict” while threatening both regional and international stability, the Jordan News Agency reported. 

Majali reaffirmed Jordan’s “full support and solidarity with brotherly Qatar” and urged the international community to compel Israel to halt its escalation and adhere to international law and humanitarian norms.

King Abdullah, in a call with Emir Al-Thani, condemned the attack and said “Qatar's security is Jordan's security.”

Egypt said the attack set a “dangerous precedent and rejected development,” adding that escalation “undermines global efforts for de-escalation in the region.”

The Gulf Cooperation Council also condemned the attack.

RIYADH: Diplomats, policymakers and technology leaders convened for the fifth Diplomatic Connect in Riyadh on Monday.

The event, co-hosted by the Digital Cooperation Organization and the Kuwaiti embassy, took the theme “Rebuilding through technology: A blueprint for digital resilience and peace” and provided a platform for dialogue on tech diplomacy.

With more than 122 million people around the world displaced by conflict or crisis, the need to address practical digital resilience has never been more urgent.

Present were Sheikh Subah Nasser Subah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, ambassador of Kuwait to ������Ƶ, and DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya. The event featured a keynote address by Lord Ed Vaizey, former UK Minister for Culture and Digital Economy and a leading international voice on digital cooperation.

Discussions drew on real-world examples that are already delivering results.

In Ukraine, the Diia platform has enabled more than 20 million citizens to access over 100 public services digitally, sustaining continuity during conflict, while in Jordan, blockchain-based mobile wallets deliver aid with transparency and efficiency to more than 300,000 refugees.

In Syria, UNICEF-supported digital classrooms are reconnecting displaced children to education and in Rwanda, digital transformation has helped rebuild trust and services, underpinning a thriving technology sector often described as Africa’s tech hub.

These are not experiments, said Al-Yahya; they are proof that technology can restore dignity, trust and hope, even in the darkest of times.

She told attendees: “The theme we are discussing tonight — technology for rebuilding, digital tools for post-conflict resilience — is timely given the current global status. (Conflict and crisis) tear through institutions, sever trust, displace families and upend economies. But in these moments of disruption, there is also a unique opportunity — the chance not only to rebuild but to redesign, to reimagine systems that serve people better than they did before.”

She added: “Multilateral action will be critical. But not any multilateral action. We need agile, nimble and practical multilateralism to cope with the rapidly evolving digital age. We need to strengthen partnerships across governments, tech companies, academia and civil society to ensure the promise of digital transformation reaches those who need it most, and do so in ways that respect rights, build trust and protect the most vulnerable.

“Wars and disasters do not only destroy homes and hospitals; they tear apart social bonds, weaken institutions, and disrupt entire generations’ futures. Yet within this disruption lies a profound opportunity, not merely to rebuild what was lost, but to redesign systems for a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow.”

Keynote speaker Lord Vaizey said: “Technology is one of the most powerful tools we have to rebuild societies. From restoring essential services to creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs, digital innovation provides hope even in the most fragile circumstances. I am delighted to join this discussion in Riyadh and to highlight how international cooperation can make that promise a reality.”

His speech focused on the role of digital cooperation, resilience and inclusion in strengthening societies during crises, underlining the need for governments to provide open data, simplify services and create frameworks that foster innovation rather than stifle it.

Technology should be paired with workforce development, he said, citing examples such as training displaced people in digital skills, adapting education to project-based learning and fostering lifelong learning. The DCO could pool resources, set standards, and strengthen bargaining power for small and mid-sized states, he added.

Ukraine demonstrated how private sector volunteers supported government digital initiatives, including demining with artificial intelligence and connecting startups with international partners.

Digital technologies could not prevent wars or disasters, said Lord Vaizey, but they could preserve dignity, sustain services and speed recovery. The DCO was vital for unlocking prosperity and maintaining social contracts, he added, concluding with a call for urgency, cooperation and generosity and stressing that digital transformation was about peace, resilience and human dignity.

The event was moderated by Arab News Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali, and the discussion on how digital innovation can restore services, rebuild trust and empower communities includes ambassadors from DCO members states and international partners.

The DCO presidency is held by Kuwait this year. The Kuwaiti ambassador said: “Kuwait has always believed diplomacy and dialogue are the foundation of peace. By hosting this edition of Diplomatic Connect, we are proud to provide a platform where ambassadors and international partners can explore how digital tools can strengthen resilience, restore trust and support societies on their path to stability.”