Israel Strikes Qatar, Targeting Hamas Leadership Amid Ceasefire Talks; International Outcry Follows

DOHA, QATAR — Israel conducted missile strikes on Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Tuesday, claiming to have targeted senior Hamas leaders, including those engaged in ceasefire negotiations for Gaza. Qatar vehemently condemned the attack as a violation of international law and its sovereignty, with numerous countries and international blocs quickly joining in the condemnation.

This unprecedented assault occurred as Qatar, a key mediator between Israel/US and Hamas, was actively working to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. Since October 2023, Israel's military operation in the Palestinian enclave has resulted in over 64,600 fatalities.

Details of the Attack in Doha

Around 3:00 PM local time (12:00 GMT) on Tuesday, multiple explosions reverberated across Doha, sending plumes of smoke into the sky. Residents reported hearing the blasts in various neighborhoods, including at Al Jazeera’s offices.

Israel’s military confirmed it had fired missiles into Doha, targeting a compound believed to house Hamas political leaders. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry promptly issued a statement condemning the attack. This marks the first time Israel has attacked Qatar, a nation that has repeatedly hosted Israeli negotiators for ceasefire talks. The strikes occurred in the West Bay Lagoon area, a diplomatic and residential district popular with both Qataris and international residents.

Hamas's Account and Casualties

A Hamas official informed Al Jazeera Arabic that the attack specifically targeted Hamas ceasefire negotiators who were reviewing the latest US ceasefire proposal. Suhail al-Hindi, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, confirmed that the targeted leadership, including senior figures Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal, survived the attack.

However, the assault tragically killed al-Hayya’s son, Humam, and one of his top aides. Contact was also lost with three bodyguards. Al-Hindi emphasized the tragic loss, stating, "The blood of the leadership of the movement is like the blood of any Palestinian child."

Qatar later confirmed the death of at least one Qatari security official and injuries to others, with Hamas reporting a total of six fatalities.

Israel's Justification and Broad Condemnation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office claimed full responsibility for the "wholly independent Israeli operation," asserting it was justified by Hamas leadership's role in the October 7 massacre and ongoing "murderous actions." Opposition leader Yair Lapid also praised the military for the "exceptional operation."

Despite Israel's justification, the international community's response has been overwhelmingly condemnatory, citing violations of Qatar's sovereignty and international law.

• Qatar's Foreign Minister spokesperson Majed al-Ansari called it a "criminal attack" and a "flagrant violation of all international laws and norms."
• Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the UAE, Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, the Maldives, Lebanon, Morocco, Algeria, and the Gulf Cooperation Council all issued strong condemnations, warning of regional instability.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the strikes as a “flagrant violation” of Qatari sovereignty.
• French President Emmanuel Macron called the attack "unacceptable," stressing, "War must under no circumstances spread in the region."
• The United Kingdom urged against "further escalation of violence" and stated it had no prior knowledge of the attack.

As investigations continue, Qatar's Interior Ministry has assured the public of the safety of the situation, and Qatar Airways confirmed no disruption to its operations. The US Embassy in Qatar briefly issued and then lifted a shelter-in-place order for its personnel.