Israel Attacks Qatar Targeting Hamas Leader

Israel carried out an attack targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar on Tuesday, two Israeli sources told, in what appeared to be the first known Israeli military strike against the militant group in the Gulf nation.

One of the sources, a senior Israeli official, said among those targeted was Hamas’ chief negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya.

“We are awaiting the results of the strike,” the official said.

The Qatari foreign ministry’s spokesperson Majed Al Ansari called the attack “cowardly” and “criminal assault” that constitutes a “blatant violation of international laws and norms.”

“While strongly condemning this attack, the State of Qatar emphasizes that it will not tolerate this reckless and irresponsible Israeli behavior,” Al Ansari said on X.

A senior Hamas official confirmed that the group’s negotiators were targeted in Doha.

Shortly after the explosion, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement saying it had targeted “senior leadership” of Hamas with “a precise strike” in a joint operation with the Shin Bet security agency. The statement didn’t specify where the operation was carried out, but suggested that it was outside Gaza.

“For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization’s operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7th massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.”

On Monday, Khalil Al-Hayya met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Doha.