On September 9, 2025, Israel conducted an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, during a meeting to discuss a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal. The attack resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including the son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, and injured several others. Hamas officials present at the meeting survived the strike. (apnews.com)
The Israeli military stated that the operation aimed to disrupt Hamas’s leadership, particularly those responsible for orchestrating the October 7, 2023 attacks. The airstrike was carried out using air-launched ballistic missiles, a method that avoided violating regional airspace and bypassed Qatar’s air defenses. (apnews.com)
Qatar condemned the attack as a "cowardly" violation of its sovereignty and international law. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, also condemned the strike, describing it as a threat to regional peace and stability. (reuters.com)
The incident has strained diplomatic relations between Israel and Gulf Arab states, particularly the United Arab Emirates, which normalized ties with Israel in 2020. The United States, which has a significant military presence in Qatar, was reportedly notified of the attack only after it occurred. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the timing and location of the strike, emphasizing the importance of Qatar’s role in mediating peace efforts. (apnews.com)
In response to the heightened tensions, the United States and Qatar are nearing the finalization of an enhanced defense cooperation agreement. U.S. diplomat Marco Rubio highlighted the urgency of a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and praised Qatar’s role as a mediator. (reuters.com)
International Reactions to Israeli Airstrike in Qatar:
- UN Human Rights Council to hold urgent debate on Israeli airstrike on Qatar
- UN rights chief condemns Israeli strike in Doha as assault on regional stability
- Qatar, US to finalise enhanced defence cooperation agreement, Rubio says
Indeep
Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hamas leaders residing in Qatar, escalating tensions in the region. The strikes are part of an ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with implications for diplomatic relations and security in the Middle East. The attack marks a significant development in the long-standing struggle, drawing reactions from various political entities and potentially affecting peace negotiations.
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