Israel carried out a major airstrike on senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday afternoon, prompting swift condemnation from Qatar and international criticism over a breach of sovereignty and international law.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the operation as a “precise strike” targeting those “directly responsible for the October 7 massacre.” Israeli media reported that 15 fighter jets fired 10 munitions at a single location in Doha’s West Bay Lagoon district, producing explosions and thick smoke near Woqod petrol station on Wadi Rawdan Street.
Hamas confirmed that its senior negotiators in Doha were targeted but survived the strike. Six others, including a Qatari security officer, were killed. The victims included Humam al-Hayya, son of Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya; Jihad Labad, al-Hayya’s office director; Abdullah Abdul Wahid; Moamen Hassouna; Ahmed al-Mamluk; and Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi of Qatar’s internal security forces.
Hamas condemned the attack, stating, “We confirm the enemy’s failure to assassinate our brothers in the negotiating delegation,” and added that the strike demonstrated Israel had no intention of achieving a peace agreement.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog defended the operation as “important and correct,” while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized that the strike was fully independent and Israel accepted full responsibility. A senior Israeli official confirmed that Hamas leaders Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin were among the intended targets.
The White House confirmed it had been notified due to the nearby US al-Udeid airbase. Former US President Donald Trump later distanced himself from the strike, stating on Truth Social that it was “a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, not me.” He expressed regret over the attack’s location, assured Qatari leaders it would not happen again, and criticized Israel’s unilateral action on allied soil as counterproductive to US and regional interests.
Qatar’s foreign ministry denounced the airstrike as “reckless” and a “cowardly violation” of its sovereignty, warning it would not tolerate such actions. Condemnations also came from across the Arab world, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it “a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar.”
The strike comes just days after Hamas indicated willingness to consider elements of a US-backed ceasefire plan. Reports suggest Hamas leaders were in Doha discussing their response to a proposal that included a 60-day truce, the release of Israeli hostages, and negotiations for a permanent ceasefire.