An Israel strike shook Doha on Tuesday as explosions hit areas near the capital, targeting senior Hamas figures. Israeli officials confirmed the attack marked the first known military operation against Hamas leadership in Qatar, raising regional tensions and triggering sharp condemnation from Doha.
Senior Hamas Figures in the Crosshairs
Two Israeli sources told international media that the strike specifically targeted Hamas leaders. Among those in focus was Khalil Al-Hayya, the group’s chief negotiator. A senior Israeli official said authorities were still waiting to confirm whether the strike achieved its intended results.
A Hamas official confirmed that the organization’s negotiators were hit in Doha. Israel’s military later issued a statement describing the attack as a “precise strike” conducted jointly with the Shin Bet security agency. The statement did not name Qatar directly but emphasized that Hamas leaders outside Gaza were the target.
Qatar Condemns the Attack
The Qatari foreign ministry strongly denounced the incident. Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari described the strike as a “cowardly” and “criminal assault” that violated international law and norms. He stressed that Qatar “will not tolerate this reckless and irresponsible Israeli behavior.”
Doha has historically played a key role as a mediator in conflicts involving Hamas and Israel. The latest incident threatens to complicate its position as both a U.S. ally and a host to Hamas political figures.
U.S. Notified Before the Operation
According to Israeli sources, the United States was informed ahead of the operation in Qatar. American officials have not publicly confirmed their role. However, shortly after explosions rocked Doha, the U.S. embassy issued a shelter-in-place order for its facilities.
“We have seen reports of missile strikes occurring in Doha. The U.S. Embassy has instituted a shelter-in-place order for their facilities. U.S. citizens are advised to shelter-in-place,” the embassy said in a post.
This precaution highlights Washington’s concern about potential fallout from the Israel strike, especially given Qatar’s strategic importance to U.S. security interests.
Read: Israeli Strikes Reduce as-Salam Tower to Rubble in Gaza City
Qatar’s Role as U.S. Ally
Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military facility in the Middle East. The base serves as a central hub for U.S. operations in the region. Washington designated Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2022, underscoring its importance as a defense and security partner.
Earlier this year, Al Udeid itself came under attack from Iran after U.S. forces struck nuclear sites in Iran during Israel’s June military campaign. That incident already strained regional stability, and Tuesday’s strike further underscores Qatar’s vulnerability as a stage for broader geopolitical conflict.
Israel’s Justification
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) framed the strike as a necessary step against Hamas leadership. In its statement, the military said the targeted officials had played central roles in planning and directing attacks against Israel.
“For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization’s operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7th massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel,” the IDF declared.
The military characterized the strike as part of its broader effort to dismantle Hamas’s leadership structure beyond Gaza’s borders.
High-Level Meetings Before the Strike
Just one day before the explosions in Doha, Khalil Al-Hayya reportedly met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. The meeting highlighted Qatar’s ongoing role in engaging with Hamas leaders as part of broader regional diplomacy. The timing of the strike, following such high-profile discussions, has fueled speculation about its impact on Qatar’s mediation role.
Regional and Global Repercussions
The Israel strike in Qatar signals a widening of the battlefield. Until now, Israeli operations targeting Hamas have primarily focused on Gaza and, more recently, Lebanon and Yemen. Extending these operations into the Gulf marks a dramatic shift and raises concerns about how other nations in the region may respond.
Qatar’s close ties to the U.S. complicate the situation further. While Washington supports Israel’s right to defend itself, it also relies heavily on Qatar as a partner in security and energy cooperation. The strike could force U.S. officials to balance support for Israel with protecting their alliance with Doha.
Hamas Response and Future Risks
Hamas confirmed that its negotiators were targeted but has yet to provide details on casualties. The group is likely to frame the strike as evidence of Israeli aggression beyond Palestinian territories, a narrative that may bolster its standing among supporters in the region.
For Israel, the operation demonstrates its determination to pursue Hamas leadership wherever it operates. Yet this expansion carries risks. Striking in Qatar, a U.S. ally, could strain Israel’s diplomatic relations not only with Doha but also with Washington.
Shifting Dynamics in the Middle East
The strike also raises questions about the future of mediation efforts in the Gaza conflict. Qatar has served as a central platform for indirect talks between Israel, Hamas, and international partners. If Doha distances itself from this role in response to the attack, efforts toward ceasefire negotiations could suffer setbacks.
Meanwhile, the move highlights Israel’s willingness to cross new boundaries in its campaign against Hamas. By extending operations into the Gulf, Israel signals that no territory hosting Hamas leadership is beyond its reach.
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