Israel strikes Hamas leadership in Doha: What is known
Around 4:00 p.m., the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli counterintelligence carried out an airstrike on Qatar’s capital, Doha, targeting Hamas leadership.
All known details about the incident are reported in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
Israel’s attack on Qatar
Several explosions were heard in Doha. Black smoke rose over the Legtifya gas station. Nearby is a small residential complex, which has been guarded by the Qatari Emirate Guard since the start of the conflict in Gaza.
Israel’s statement
The Israeli military described the operation as a "precise strike" targeting senior Hamas leaders but did not specify the exact location.
The military said the targeted Hamas officials were directly responsible for planning the group’s operations, including the mass killings on October 7, 2023, and for coordinating the war against Israel.
The IDF emphasized that measures were taken to reduce the risk to civilians, including the use of precision weapons and additional intelligence data.
Targets of Israel
Israeli media, citing a senior official, reported that the strike targeted top Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, the exiled head of Gaza and the group’s chief negotiator.
Preliminary reports indicate that Khalil al-Hayya was killed. Later, sources added that other Hamas leaders, including Zaher Jabarin, Khaled Mashal, and Nizar Awadalla, were also hit in the strike.
According to media reports, Hamas leadership had gathered in Doha to discuss US President Donald Trump’s latest proposal to end hostilities.
Qatar’s reaction
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s attack on Hamas officials in Doha, calling it a threat to the safety of Qatari citizens and residents.
Security forces, civil defense, and other agencies immediately responded to contain the consequences and ensure the safety of residents and the surrounding areas.
US reaction
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the US administration is currently refraining from commenting on the Israeli strikes in Doha, but Washington is monitoring developments.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 12, citing a source within the Israeli leadership, reported that US President Donald Trump authorized the attack on Qatar.
At the same time, the US Embassy in Qatar urged citizens to remain in shelters following the missile strikes in Doha.
Sources: Reuters, Al Arabiya, The Times of Israel, Israel Defense Forces press service, Israel’s Channel 12, and Al Jazeera
