Israel carried out an airstrike on Doha, Qatar, targeting the central leadership of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. Explosions were reported in the Katara area in the afternoon, followed by smoke rising in the sky. The strike marked one of the first-ever Israeli operations on Qatari soil.
The Israeli military and Shin Bet security agency confirmed the attack, saying it targeted senior Hamas leaders. Early reports from Arab media suggested that Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, was killed. However, Hamas later clarified that its top leadership survived the attack.
According to Hamas sources, several senior leaders were in a meeting at the time, discussing a U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Leaders present included Khaled Meshaal, Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabareen, Mohammad Darwish, and Abu Marzouk. The strike reportedly aimed to disrupt Hamas negotiations amid heightened tensions in the region.
Hamas confirmed that six people were killed, including Khalil al-Hayya’s son and the director of his office. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior reported that one security officer was killed and another wounded. The attack caused panic in Doha and drew condemnation from regional and international leaders.
Israeli officials stated that the United States was informed in advance and provided support for the operation. Qatar condemned the attack as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and international law. The strike follows earlier threats by the Israeli army chief to target Hamas leaders abroad and comes amid ongoing U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza.