Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Tuesday after Israel carried out an airstrike targeting senior Hamas officials in Qatar.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the Shin Bet (ISA), confirmed the operation, which was aimed at eliminating two high-ranking members of the terror group allegedly involved in orchestrating the October 7 attacks and directing Hamas’ ongoing operations.
Strike Targets Hamas Commanders in Doha
According to an official statement by the IDF, the strike was “precise” and focused on Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, two top Hamas leaders based in Doha.
Initial reports suggest both were present during the strike. CCTV footage circulating online appears to capture explosions in the Qatari capital, lending further weight to the operation’s occurrence.
The IDF stated that both men played major roles in planning and directing Hamas’ terrorist activities and bore direct responsibility for the October 7 massacre in Israel.
“Measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence,” the IDF added.
U.S. officials were reportedly informed in advance of the strikes, according to Israeli sources cited by Fox News Digital. However, the strike comes at a sensitive moment, potentially complicating international mediation efforts in the region.
Qatar Condemns the Strike as Violation of Sovereignty
The Qatari Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded condemnation, calling the Israeli airstrike a “cowardly attack” and “a flagrant violation of international law.”
The statement also accused Israel of endangering civilians in the capital and threatened broader consequences for regional stability.
Qatar emphasized that its civil defense and security agencies responded immediately and were assessing both the physical damage and potential casualties.
“This criminal attack constitutes a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents of Qatar,” the statement said.
Qatari officials also sent a formal letter to the Trump administration and the U.S. Embassy in Doha, calling the strike “unacceptable” and criticizing the timing, which coincided with ongoing negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.
Ceasefire Talks Undermined by Strike
Both al-Hayya and Jabarin were reportedly involved in negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages and brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Qatar has served as a central hub for these discussions, and the strike has cast doubt on the viability of continued diplomacy.
Qatar’s letter to the U.S. argued that the timing of the strike “clearly was designed to undermine the peace negotiations in which the United States and Qatar are collaborating closely.”
Al-Hayya had met with Qatari Prime Minister officials earlier in the week as part of the mediation process.
Jabarin, who oversees Hamas’ finances and has connections to the group’s West Bank operations, was also reportedly involved in the discussions, though to a lesser extent.
