Israel carried out an airstrike on senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday afternoon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the attack targeted those “directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre.”
Explosions were heard across Doha, and smoke was seen rising from a residential area near Woqod petrol station in the West Bay Lagoon district. Israeli media reported that 15 fighter jets fired 10 munitions at the target.
Qatar condemned the strike as “reckless” and a violation of international law. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said it would not tolerate attacks on its security and sovereignty.
Hamas confirmed that members of its negotiating delegation survived. However, six people, including a Qatari security official, were killed. Among the dead were Humam Al-Hayya, son of chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, and Jihad Labad, director of al-Hayya’s office.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog defended the operation, calling it “important and correct.” Israeli officials said that Khalil al-Hayya and West Bank leader Zaher Jabarin were among those targeted.
The United States was informed of the strike, likely due to the nearby al-Udeid airbase. Former US President Donald Trump stated the strike was an independent Israeli decision. He added that US officials informed Qatar too late to prevent it and expressed regret over the attack on a close ally.
At the time, Hamas leaders were reportedly discussing a US-mediated Gaza ceasefire plan. The plan included releasing 48 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and negotiations for a long-term truce.
The attack raises concerns about US-Qatar relations, the safety of the al-Udeid airbase, and broader Gulf security. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strike, calling it a “flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.” Leaders across the Arab world also expressed outrage.
