Israeli Airstrike Targets Hamas Leaders in Doha, Leadership Unharmed – What Will Be the Fallout?

Doha, Qatar – Loud explosions were heard in Doha on Tuesday after Israel reportedly carried out a precision airstrike targeting senior Hamas leaders. Thick smoke was seen rising from the Qatari district of Doha following the attacks.

According to Al Jazeera, Israeli warplanes launched 12 missiles aimed at hitting top Hamas officials. Sources within Hamas told Al Jazeera that the airstrike targeted a high-level meeting of the group’s political delegation, led by senior Hamas leader Dr. Khalil al-Hayya. Fortunately, all leaders present survived the attack unscathed.

Eyewitnesses quoted by Reuters reported hearing multiple loud blasts across Doha. Israeli media, citing a senior Israeli official, confirmed that the objective of the operation was to eliminate high-ranking Hamas figures, including al-Hayya, Hamas’s chief in Gaza.

The Hamas political bureau, based in Doha, appears to have been the central focus of the attack, which is being seen as a serious attempt to decapitate the group’s leadership.

The airstrike came at a critical time when Hamas representatives in Doha were reportedly engaged in discussions on a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. Simultaneously, Israeli forces are preparing for a full-scale offensive on Gaza City, issuing evacuation warnings to residents in southern Gaza. Analysts view the strike as a deliberate attempt to derail ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

Qatar Condemns Israeli Strike in Strongest Terms

In an official statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, condemned the Israeli airstrike in the “strongest possible terms.” He stated that the attack hit residential buildings where several members of Hamas’s political bureau reside.

“This criminal attack is a blatant violation of all international laws and norms,” said Al Ansari, “and it poses a serious threat to the safety of Qatari citizens and residents alike.”

He further stressed, “Qatar firmly rejects such irresponsible Israeli behavior and will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the region or undermine its sovereignty. The country reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its national security.”

Al Ansari added that a high-level investigation is underway, and more details will be shared soon.