Israel-Hamas conflict: Vietnam condemns use of force

The foreign ministry's spokesperson Pham Thu Hang made the statement at a regular press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday, responding to a question from Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper about Vietnam’s reaction to a recent Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar.

“Vietnam condemns acts of force in violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations,” Hang stressed.

She urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalating tensions, and resolve disputes through peaceful means based on international law and the UN Charter, creating conditions for a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire in the Israel–Palestine conflict and contributing to regional and global peace and stability.

On September 9, Israel carried out a sudden airstrike on Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders, including negotiators involved in ceasefire talks in Gaza.

According to Al Jazeera, the strike occurred as Hamas and Qatar, a key intermediary between Israel and the U.S., were working to advance a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Hamas officials reported that six people were killed in the attack, including the son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya.

Israel stated that the operation targeted Hamas leadership in response to the group’s attacks on Israel since October 7, 2023.

Regarding the situation of Vietnamese citizens in Qatar, as asked by Tuoi Tre, Hang confirmed that no Vietnamese nationals had been reported being affected by the strike.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Qatar promptly contacted local authorities to gather information and reached out to the Vietnamese community to check on their situation.

Following guidance from the defense ministry, the embassy is closely monitoring developments and stands ready to implement citizen protection measures if necessary.