Israeli Airstrikes Target Hamas Leadership in Doha, Qatar

Israeli airstrikes struck Doha, the capital of Qatar, on Tuesday, specifically targeting Hamas’ leadership amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

The strikes occurred shortly after Qatari authorities engaged with Hamas officials to advocate for a response to a U.S.-backed proposal for a ceasefire and hostage exchange.

Following the attacks, the Israeli military issued a statement indicating that they, in collaboration with the Shin Bet, executed a “targeted strike” against key figures in the Hamas organization. The military described those attacked as individuals who “had led the terrorist organization’s activities for years and are directly responsible for the October 7 massacre and managing the war against the State of Israel.”

Israel emphasized that it had taken precautions to minimize civilian casualties by using precision weaponry and leveraging additional intelligence.

Israeli media reported that fighter jets dropped ten bombs during the operation, targeting figures such as Khalil al-Hayya, the acting chairman of Hamas’ political bureau, among others based in Doha, including Khaled Meshaal. Footage from Al-Arabiya’s Arabic broadcast captured smoke billowing from a struck building, while Israeli journalists shared images of the aftermath on social media.

Hamas Claims Strikes Were Unsuccessful

In response, Hamas released a statement claiming that the strikes failed to eliminate targets within their negotiating delegation but confirmed the deaths of five individuals linked to the organization, including Abdul Wahid, Moamen Hassouna, and Ahmed al-Mamluk, as well as Jihad Labad, the director of al-Hayya’s office, and Humam al-Hayya, Khalil al-Hayya’s son. Additionally, the Qatari Interior Ministry reported the death of Cpl. Badr Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi, a member of the Qatari Internal Security Forces.

Hamas stated that the negotiations were addressing the latest proposal from the U.S. when the strikes occurred, alleging that Israel aimed to “undermine all opportunities for peace and international mediation efforts.” They also stated that they held the U.S. administration “jointly responsible” for the attack.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari condemned the strikes as a “cowardly Israeli attack,” asserting that they targeted residential buildings housing Hamas leadership.

A Qatari Embassy official in Washington later conveyed to Al-Monitor that Hamas had received a proposal from the U.S. and had met with representatives to discuss it. However, he noted that the strikes had severely compromised the negotiations.

U.S. and International Reaction

The U.S. maintains over 8,000 troops stationed at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, marking it as the largest American military installation in the Middle East. In June, Iran targeted this base in retaliation for U.S. actions against Iranian nuclear sites, prompting a strong rebuke from Qatar.

A Pentagon official clarified to Al-Monitor, “We are aware of the reports about the Israeli strikes in Doha today. U.S. forces did not participate in the strikes,” urging inquiries to be directed to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

The Israeli strikes coincide with a period of diplomatic engagement, following a recent meeting between Qatari authorities and Hamas officials regarding a ceasefire proposal in which Israel expressed acceptance of the outline on Monday.

On Sunday, Hamas indicated its willingness to “immediately sit at the negotiating table” after receiving “ideas from the American side” aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Following this, former President Donald Trump publicly issued a “last warning” to Hamas through Truth Social, insisting that they accept the terms.

Israel Claims Independent Operation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated on Tuesday that the operations were “a wholly independent Israeli operation,” asserting that “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full accountability.”

During an event at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, Netanyahu acknowledged that he authorized strikes against Hamas leaders but did not confirm specifics regarding their fate. He reiterated that Israel acted independently.

According to U.S. officials, Israel notified President Trump’s administration just prior to executing the strikes in Doha. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the strikes’ location but supported targeting Hamas leaders, declaring it did not advance the shared goals of Israel and the U.S.

In a subsequent statement, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani reported that Trump condemned the attack during a call with the emir, emphasizing that the U.S. had no prior knowledge of the strikes.

Post-strike assessments in Qatar indicated a significant decline in the likelihood of mediating a ceasefire in Gaza, with the prime minister expressing uncertainty about future negotiations.

Turkey, known for hosting some Hamas political leaders, condemned Israel’s actions in Doha, characterizing the strikes as “clear evidence of Israeli expansionist policies.” Turkey, a NATO member, does not designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, with group leaders frequently dividing their time between Turkey and Qatar.