Doha, Qatar – In a significant and unprecedented escalation, a series of powerful explosions have shaken Doha, the capital of Qatar, after Israel confirmed it carried out a “precise strike” targeting senior Hamas leaders. The attack, which took place in a residential area, marks a major expansion of the ongoing conflict, extending Israel’s military operations into a key diplomatic hub for the region.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) released a joint statement confirming the strike. “The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization,” the statement read. The Israeli military claimed the targeted individuals were responsible for the October 7 massacre and were actively orchestrating the ongoing war.
According to reports from Arab and Israeli media, a Hamas delegation, which included senior figures like Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Mashal, and others, was meeting to consider a new US-drafted ceasefire proposal at the time of the attack.
Hamas Quotes:
A Hamas source, speaking to Al Jazeera, stated, “The US proposal they were sitting down to consider was a deception aimed at bringing Hamas members to a meeting in order to attack them.” The group also claimed that the targeted leaders had survived the strike.
Arab and Qatari Reaction:
Qatar, which has been a crucial mediator in the ceasefire talks, condemned the attack in the strongest terms. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, called the Israeli action a “cowardly attack” and a “flagrant violation of international law.” Witnesses in Doha reported seeing a large plume of smoke rising over the city, and residents were seen running for safety.
Israeli Perspective:
For its part, Israel maintained that the operation was fully justified. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement taking full responsibility for the strike. “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” the statement said. Israeli officials also suggested that the US was notified of the attack beforehand and had given it a “green light.”
The strike has been widely seen as a major blow to diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire. The attack in a neutral country, which has been hosting both Hamas and a major US military base, has further complicated the geopolitical landscape of the region. The incident raises questions about the future of negotiations and whether such a strike will further embolden or weaken Hamas’s resolve.
