Israeli Airstrike Hits Hamas Leadership in Qatar’s Capital
Massive explosions shook Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday after Israel confirmed carrying out a targeted strike on senior Hamas leaders. The rare attack in the Gulf state marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict and threatens to derail fragile ceasefire negotiations.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) said they conducted a “precise strike” against top Hamas officials, accusing them of orchestrating the October 7 attacks and managing ongoing operations against Israel.
“For years, these Hamas leaders have directed terrorist operations and are directly responsible for the brutal October 7th massacre,” the IDF said in a statement, adding that steps were taken to minimize civilian casualties through “precise munitions and additional intelligence.”
Targets Included Senior Hamas Negotiators
According to reports, the strike targeted members of Hamas’s political bureau, long headquartered in Doha. Among those believed to be in the crosshairs was Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s exiled Gaza chief and a key negotiator in ceasefire talks.
Witnesses described plumes of black smoke rising over parts of the capital, including areas near Katara, as panicked residents rushed to safety.
Qatar Strongly Condemns Israeli Attack
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry issued a sharp condemnation, calling the strike a “cowardly violation of international law” and warning that it could undermine regional stability.
Doha has for years served as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, playing a central role in attempts to broker ceasefires and prisoner exchanges. The latest attack could complicate ongoing negotiations over a possible Gaza truce and the release of Israeli hostages.
Growing Regional Fallout
The assassination attempt on Hamas leaders outside Gaza represents a new front in Israel’s war strategy, extending the battlefield beyond traditional zones of conflict. Analysts warn the move could strain Israel’s ties with Gulf states and further destabilize mediation efforts.
As of now, neither Israel nor Qatar has confirmed details on casualties, but the incident underscores the shifting dynamics of the Israel-Hamas war, pushing the conflict deeper into international territory.
