New Delhi: Israeli warplanes launched strikes on a building in Doha, the Qatari capital, in an operation aimed at senior Hamas leaders. Israeli officials described the action as an “assassination operation.”
The attack targeted a meeting where Hamas leaders were discussing the latest United States ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Israeli military sources said it was a “precise strike” against the group’s command network. They also claimed to have used measures to limit civilian harm.
Reports suggested that Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, and Zaher Jabarin, head of the group’s Political Bureau in the West Bank, were inside the building. Moreover, longtime Hamas figure Khaled Mashaal, who survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Jordan in 1997, was also said to be present.
Qatar condemns attack as violation of sovereignty
Qatar strongly denounced the Israeli operation. Dr. Majed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, called it a “blatant violation” of international laws and a threat to the country’s security.
According to the statement, the strike hit a residential complex housing members of Hamas’ Political Bureau. Emergency services and security forces moved quickly to secure the area. They also took steps to protect nearby residents.
The ministry confirmed that investigations had begun at the highest level. Furthermore, it said more details would be made public once available.
The State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha. This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms,…
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) September 9, 2025
Israel defends strike as retaliation for October 7
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (ISA) issued a joint statement. They argued that Hamas leaders targeted in Doha were behind the October 7 attacks on Israel. Additionally, the statement said these officials had directed the group’s war efforts from abroad.
The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization.
For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization’s operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 9, 2025
The IDF explained that precision-guided munitions were used in the raid. It added that intelligence measures were taken before the strike to minimize civilian casualties. According to the statement, the operation was part of broader efforts to dismantle Hamas leadership.
