By Obinna Uballa
Israel has carried out an airstrike targeting senior Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, marking the first known Israeli military attack on the militant group in the Gulf nation, two Israeli sources told CNN on Tuesday.
A senior Israeli official said the strike aimed to kill Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ chief negotiator. “We are awaiting the results of the strike,” the official told CNN.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later confirmed a “precise strike” on senior Hamas leadership in a joint operation with the Shin Bet security agency. While the statement did not name the location, it strongly indicated the attack was conducted 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,” the IDF said.
The strike comes just a day after Al-Hayya met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Doha, raising diplomatic tensions in the region.
Qatar, which has served as a key mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, condemned the strike in the strongest terms. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari called it a “cowardly” and “criminal assault” that violates international law.
“While strongly condemning this attack, the State of Qatar emphasizes that it will not tolerate this reckless and irresponsible Israeli behavior,” Al Ansari posted on X.
A senior Hamas official also confirmed that the group’s negotiators were targeted in the Qatari capital.
Analysts say the unprecedented attack is likely to escalate diplomatic strains, with Qatar warning of consequences while Israel signals its determination to eliminate Hamas leadership wherever they are located.
