By Peter Omopo
Doha/Jerusalem, September 9, 2025 — Israel on Tuesday launched a major airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior Hamas leaders based in the Gulf state. The attack, which struck a residential complex near the West Bay Lagoon district, has drawn sharp condemnation from Qatar and the wider Arab world, with the UN Secretary General denouncing it as a violation of international law.
Explosions were heard across the Qatari capital around midday, with CCTV footage showing smoke billowing from a heavily damaged building adjacent to a Woqod petrol station on Wadi Rawdan Street.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it carried out what it described as a “precise strike” on Hamas officials “directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre.” Israeli media reported that the operation involved 15 fighter jets firing 10 munitions at the site.
Hamas Leaders Survive, Six Killed
Hamas said its negotiating delegation in Doha — including exiled Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya and senior figure Zaher Jabarin — were the intended targets but survived.
In a statement, the group confirmed that six people were killed, among them close aides to al-Hayya and a Qatari internal security officer, identified as Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi.
The casualties included:
- Humam Al-Hayya (Abu Yahya), son of chief negotiator al-Hayya
- Jihad Labad (Abu Bilal), director of al-Hayya’s office
- Abdullah Abdul Wahid (Abu Khalil)
- Moamen Hassouna (Abu Omar)
- Ahmed Al-Mamluk (Abu Malik)
- Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi, Qatari internal security
Hamas accused Israel of deliberately undermining ceasefire efforts, saying the strike “confirms beyond doubt that Netanyahu and his government do not want to reach any agreement.”
Netanyahu: “Independent Israeli Operation”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement claiming full responsibility:
“Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the attack as “important and correct,” although he did not confirm al-Hayya was directly targeted.
U.S. Involvement and Gulf Tensions
The White House acknowledged it had been informed of the strike, citing the proximity of the massive U.S. Al-Udeid airbase outside Doha. While Washington said Israel acted independently, reports suggested former President Donald Trump did not oppose the operation, effectively giving it a “green light.”
Analysts warn the incident could complicate U.S. relations with Gulf allies, given the attack occurred on sovereign Qatari territory.
Qatar and International Response
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry reacted with fury, condemning the strike as “reckless, cowardly, and a blatant violation of sovereignty.”
“The State of Qatar will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its sovereignty,” the ministry said.
Condemnations also poured in from across the Arab world, while UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres denounced the strike as “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Ceasefire Talks in Jeopardy
Hamas leaders had been in Doha reviewing U.S.-backed proposals for a 60-day truce in Gaza, which included the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire.
With Hamas negotiators narrowly escaping assassination, diplomats fear the strike could derail already fragile talks.
The attack marks a significant escalation, striking not only Hamas leadership but also one of the Gulf’s key mediating states in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
