Israel targets Hamas leadership in military strikes on Qatar
DOHA (Web Desk) Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar on Tuesday, marking expansion of its military campaign across the Middle East to include the Gulf state where the Palestinian movement has long had its political base.
The strike struck near Doha’s Legtifya petrol station, sending black plumes of smoke into the sky as ambulances, police and government vehicles surrounded the area. Eyewitnesses described explosions reverberating through the Qatari capital, with nearby residential compounds placed under heavy guard by Qatar’s Emiri Guard since the Gaza conflict began.
Qatari authorities denounced the attack as “cowardly” and a “flagrant violation of international law.” The country has served as a key mediator in ceasefire negotiations alongside Egypt, raising fears the assault could deliver a fatal blow to ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages.
Strike aimed at Hamas negotiators
Israeli officials said the attack targeted senior Hamas figures, including Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s exiled Gaza chief and lead negotiator. Two Hamas sources confirmed that members of the delegation survived. The strike coincided with negotiations over a US proposal for a ceasefire, scheduled to be discussed in Doha.
Who is Khalil Al-Hayya, the top Hamas figure targeted by Israel?
The move came hours after Hamas’ armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for a deadly shooting in Jerusalem that killed six people. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later declared: “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it and Israel takes full responsibility.”
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel issued new evacuation orders for residents of Gaza City, warning of a massive offensive intended to crush Hamas’ remaining strongholds. Displaced families, including cancer patients, described being trapped with nowhere to go.
Regional and global condemnations
The attack on Qatar prompted swift international reaction:
Qatar: Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari called the strike a “cowardly Israeli attack” and a violation of all international norms.
United Arab Emirates: Described the attack as “blatant and cowardly,” with Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan declaring “full solidarity with Qatar.”
Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned a “criminal act” and expressed “full solidarity” with Doha.
Egypt: Branded the attack “an unacceptable development” targeting mediation efforts.
Lebanon: President Joseph Aoun called it part of “Israel’s attempts to destabilise the region.”
Turkey: Foreign Ministry accused Israel of “state terrorism” and undermining peace talks.
Iraq: Denounced the “cowardly act” as a flagrant violation of sovereignty.
Yemen’s Houthis: Blamed both Israel and the US, calling the attack a “deliberate assassination attempt.”
United Nations: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strike, stressing the need to work for a permanent ceasefire “not destroying it.”
The Vatican: Pope Leo XIV described the assault as “really serious,” urging prayers and renewed diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the attack “unlawful and heinous,” expressing solidarity with Qatar and Palestine.
Arab League: Secretary-General Ahmed Abou Gheit said the strike violated Qatar’s sovereignty.
United Kingdom: While calling Hamas a “vile terrorist organisation,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said London had no forewarning and urged de-escalation.
Spain: Barred two Israeli ministers from entry, formalised an arms embargo on Israel, and prohibited ships carrying Israeli military fuel from Spanish ports.
US foreknowledge and muted response
Reports suggested that US officials had some advance knowledge of the strike but did not confirm whether Washington approved. Pentagon officials deferred questions to the White House, which offered no immediate comment. Congressional leaders appeared caught off guard, with House Speaker Mike Johnson admitting, “We’ll have to reserve judgement.”
The US Embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place order for staff and American citizens, highlighting the volatility of the situation.
