Israel Targets Hamas Leadership in Qatar; Qatar Condemns the Attack

Al-Jazeera

Israeli Attack on a building in Doha.

The Israeli army announced on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, that it had targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital, Doha.

A senior Hamas source told Al Jazeera that Israel’s strike hit the negotiating delegation while it was meeting in Doha to discuss a ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip put forward by the United States' President Donald Trump. The source emphasised that no Hamas members were killed in the strike.

According to the Israeli army, the air force “precisely attacked Hamas leaders” in a joint operation with the internal security service (Shin Bet). The military added that those targeted had been leading Hamas activities for years.

Israeli media reported that several Hamas figures were struck in the attack. Channel 14 named Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, while Channel 12 reported that Khaled Meshaal was also targeted. An Israeli official told Channel 14 that the army is awaiting the results of the “assassination attempt”, noting that fighter jets carried out the operation.

The Israeli army spokesperson revealed that the mission, conducted in Doha on Tuesday afternoon, was codenamed “Summit of Fire”. Avichay Adraee used the same hashtag on his official X account.

Earlier, Reuters reported multiple explosions in Doha. Hamas also confirmed via Reuters that no fatalities occurred among its leadership, despite the Israeli claims.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the strike, stating that Israel “initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.” He highlighted that the operation was a “wholly independent Israeli action” against Hamas leaders, whom Israel holds accountable for the attacks of 7 October 2023. His statement underscores that the planning and execution of the strike were entirely carried out by Israel.

Qatar strongly condemned the strike. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Israeli attack targeted residential headquarters housing several members of the Hamas Political Bureau in Doha, describing it as a “cowardly Israeli attack” and a “criminal attack.” The ministry added that the strike constituted a violation of international laws and norms and posed a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents of Doha. It stated that Qatar’s security, civil defence, and relevant authorities immediately responded to contain the incident and ensure the safety of residents and surrounding areas. Investigations are ongoing, and further details will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the Israeli strike, describing it as a "cowardly act" and a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry said the attack occurs within the context of a continued systematic policy of killing and displacement pursued by the occupying entity against the Palestinian people, which it said further threatens regional and international peace and security. The statement reaffirmed Iraq’s firm position in supporting the government and people of Qatar and its commitment to confronting any actions that undermine the country’s sovereignty or national security. It also stressed the need for the international community to take responsibility in ending such aggressive practices.

Israeli media also reported that US President Donald Trump authorised the operation, with the US being notified before the targeting of Hamas leaders in Doha.



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