On Tuesday, Israel launched a targeted strike in Qatar's capital, Doha, against top Hamas leaders. Israeli officials have confirmed the operation, conducted by the Shin Bet security service.
According to media reports, the targeting of these leaders received the nod from U.S. President Donald Trump. The leaders were allegedly in discussions about America's latest ceasefire proposal.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared the operation as an autonomous mission. He wrote on social media platform X, "Today's mission against the top terrorist commanders of Hamas was a fully independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, drove it, and stands by it entirely."
As dark plumes rose in Doha's sky, Qatari officials confirmed the attack's occurrence. Despite this, it remains unclear if anyone was injured in the assault, painting a tense and fearful picture on the streets of Doha.
This marks the second major assault reported on Qatar by Israel since Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
While the technical details of the strike are yet to be disclosed, an Israeli army spokesperson confirmed that Israel's Air Force carried out the attack. During this period, Qatar Airways flights continued normally from Doha, while at least one Qatari Air Force jet took to the skies, overseeing national security.
Source: aajtak
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated the strike aimed at senior Hamas leaders responsible for the October 7 attack. The statement also emphasized measures taken to minimize civilian harm, including the use of precision weapons and additional intelligence. The IDF asserts its determined continuation of operations against Hamas.
The IDF reported targeting Hamas leaders Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin in Qatar, with no injuries reported among negotiators. The strike coincided with Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir’s threat to target Hamas leaders abroad, just hours before Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated the country's acceptance of the U.S.-proposed ceasefire for Gaza.
Source: aajtak
Qatar Condemns Attack as Cowardly
In response, the Qatari government labeled the attack cowardly and a violation of international laws. Qatari spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari reported that security forces, civil defense, and relevant agencies swiftly acted to secure affected areas.
Qatar warned against tolerating such Israeli actions, pursuing high-level investigations viewing any aggression as an infringement on national security and regional sovereignty.
