Strikes
The Israeli military struck targets in Doha, Qatar, targeting members of Hamas’ leadership.
Context
Qatar has hosted Hamas’ political offices for more than a decade and has served as a central mediator between Israel and Hamas throughout the Gaza war.
The Gulf nation, which maintains diplomatic contacts with the Israeli government, has repeatedly hosted Israeli officials in Doha to negotiate hostage releases since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel. Qatar also hosts America’s largest military base in the Middle East and depends on its reputation as a stable hub for business and tourism in the region.
Precision Stikes
Israeli officials confirmed they carried out a precise strike against Hamas’ senior leadership in Doha on Tuesday while the group’s leaders were meeting to discuss President Trump’s recent Gaza ceasefire proposal.
The attack targeted a residential compound where multiple Hamas political bureau members lived, including chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and official Zaher Jabarin. The strike killed Khalil al-Hayya’s son and a member of Qatar’s security forces, and comes after six Israelis were shot dead by Palestinian gunmen outside Jerusalem on September 8.
Condemnations
The Trump Administration condemned the attack, with the White House saying, “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar…does not advance Israel or America’s goal,” but noted that eliminating Hamas was “a worthy goal.”
The Qatari government strongly condemned what it called a “cowardly attack.” Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman said the strike was “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.” The attack came just one day after the Qatari prime minister met with Hamas leaders to discuss the Trump Administration’s latest ceasefire proposal.
Israel’s Response
Israeli officials maintained that Hamas leaders involved in planning the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel remain legitimate military targets, regardless of their location. Israel’s defense minister had previously warned that Hamas leaders abroad would be “annihilated” if the group did not lay down its arms. An Israeli military chief stated last month that Israel would continue pursuing Hamas’ remaining leadership abroad.
