Israeli military carried out a strike on senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the nearly 2-year conflict. The attack, which targeted a residential complex in the West Bay Lagoon district, resulted in the deaths of six people, including the son of Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and the director of his office, as well as a Qatari security officer.
The strike occurred while Hamas leaders were reportedly meeting in Doha to discuss a ceasefire proposal from the U.S. administration, which had been facilitated through Qatari mediation.
Qatar has hosted Hamas's political bureau since 2012 and has played a key role in indirect negotiations with Israel since October 2023. The Israeli military claimed the target was the senior leadership of Hamas, specifically naming Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin as individuals targeted.
The U.S. Embassy in Doha issued a shelter-in-place order for its personnel due to reports of missile strikes.
Israel described the operation as a "precise strike" targeting those responsible for the October 7 attacks and claimed it was a "wholly independent Israeli operation."
The strike has drawn widespread international condemnation, with Qatar calling it a "cowardly" and "blatant violation" of international law, and the UN Secretary General condemning it as a "flagrant violation" of sovereignty.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement asserting that the strike was "a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility." He claimed the attack was retaliation for the deadly shooting at a Jerusalem bus stop on Monday and the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that was also posted on Truth Social by the president, that President Donald Trump was informed of the attack by the U.S. military shortly before it occurred and immediately directed special envoy Steve Witkoff to warn Qatar of the impending strike.
Trump "feels very badly" about the location of the attack, but the White House emphasized that the strike "does not advance Israel or America's goals."
The White House also stated that Trump assured Qatar's leaders "that such a thing will not happen again on their soil." Trump added in the Truth Social post that he has directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to finalize U.S. defense cooperation agreement with Qatar.
The attack followed a pattern of Israeli strikes against Iranian-backed groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, in response to attacks on Israel. The strike has caused significant diplomatic tension, with Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK, France, and the UN all condemning the attack as a violation of sovereignty and a dangerous escalation.
Trump administration statement:
“This morning, the Trump administration was notified by the United States military that Israel was attacking Hamas, which very unfortunately was located in a section of Doha, the capital of Qatar.
"Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals.
"However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal. President Trump immediately directed Special Envoy Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did. The president views Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the United States, and feels very badly about the location of this attack. President Trump wants all of the hostages in Gaza and the bodies of the dead released in this war to end now.
"President Trump also spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu after the attack. The prime minister told President Trump that he wants to make peace and quickly. President Trump believes this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace. The president also spoke to the emir and prime minister of Qatar and thanked them for their support and friendship to our country.
He assured them that such a thing will not happen again on their soil."
