A rare and unprecedented escalation unfolded in Qatar’s capital on Tuesday night when Israeli fighter jets carried out an airstrike in Doha, targeting senior Hamas officials. The strike, which rattled residential neighborhoods in the Leqtaifiya district, marks the first time Israel has directly struck Hamas leadership on Qatari soil.
According to reports, the compound used by Hamas negotiators was hit by multiple precision-guided munitions. While top leaders reportedly survived, the attack killed at least six people, including bodyguards, aides, and a Qatari security officer. The assault, described by Israeli officials as part of their campaign to “dismantle Hamas leadership wherever it operates,” has triggered sharp international criticism.
Qatar condemned the strike as a “serious violation of sovereignty and international law,” stressing that it would not abandon its role as a mediator in ongoing ceasefire discussions. The Gulf state has long hosted indirect negotiations between Hamas, Israel, and international partners.
Reactions poured in swiftly:
- Germany called the action “unacceptable” and warned it would severely damage diplomatic efforts.
- Turkey accused Israel of adopting “terrorism as state policy.”
- The United Nations urged restraint, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning that such escalations could derail fragile ceasefire talks.
- Even the United States, while acknowledging it was briefed in advance, expressed unease. President Trump stated he was “very unhappy” with the timing of the strike, particularly as American envoys were engaged in mediation efforts.
Analysts suggest the move represents a new phase in Israel’s strategy-shifting the battlefield beyond Gaza and directly targeting Hamas’ external leadership networks. With Doha playing a central role in prisoner exchange and ceasefire negotiations, the strike risks further complicating regional diplomacy.
The attack underscores the volatility of the ongoing conflict and raises fears of broader instability in the Middle East, where Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. have been attempting to secure a lasting truce.
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