The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated dramatically on Tuesday after Israeli warplanes carried out a rare airstrike on Qatar capital, Doha, targeting senior Hamas leaders during ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
The strike killed at least five members from Hamas and one Qatari security officer, sparking global condemnation and raising fears of regional escalation.
Hamas Confirms Casualties, Says Assassination Attempt Failed
Hamas confirmed the death of several officials in the strike but insisted that Israel’s attempt to assassinate its negotiation team had failed.
The group said its delegation was meeting to discuss a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza when the airstrike hit residential buildings in Doha.
Among those killed were Humam al-Hayya, son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya, and Jihad Labad, director of his office, along with other Hamas members.
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior also reported the death of Badr Saad al-Dosari, a member of its Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), and confirmed additional injuries among Qatari personnel.
Netanyahu Defends the Israel Airstrike on Qatar
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, calling it “fully justified.”
He claimed the airstrike targeted Hamas officials responsible for orchestrating the October 7, 2023 attacks, which killed over 1,200 people in Israel and triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
Defense Minister Yisrael Katz added that Hamas leaders abroad had been warned they would be “eliminated” if hostages were not released and the group did not lay down its arms.
Israeli media reported that the operation involved 15 fighter jets launching 10 missiles within seconds, marking one of the most intense cross-border strikes in years.
Qatar Condemns the Attack as a Violation of Sovereignty
Qatar strongly condemned the Israeli strike, calling it a “cowardly act” and a blatant violation of international law and Qatari sovereignty.
The government confirmed ongoing efforts to identify additional victims and warned of the security risks posed to its citizens and residents.
As the host of Hamas’s political bureau since 2012 and a key U.S. ally with the Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar has played a central role in mediating ceasefire talks between Israel, Hamas, and Egypt.
International Reactions: U.S., UN, and Allies Weigh In
The United States expressed concern, with President Donald Trump admitting he was “not happy” about the airstrike on Qatar, despite Israel’s justification.
The White House later clarified that the U.S. had no role in the operation, labeling it a “unilateral Israeli action.”
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the attack undermined peace efforts but reaffirmed America’s goal of dismantling Hamas.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strike as a “flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty,” while leaders from France, the UK, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE denounced the airstrike on Qatar as an unacceptable escalation.
Hostage Families and Israeli Opposition React
The attack also reignited anxiety among families of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, with many fearing the escalation could endanger their loved ones.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu, demanding assurances that the strike would not jeopardize hostage lives.
Rising Civilian Toll in Gaza
The Israeli airstrike on Qatar comes as Gaza death toll continues to climb. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 64,000 Palestinians—mostly civilians—have been killed in Israeli operations since October 2023.
Israel has also eliminated several top Hamas leaders in recent months, including Ismail Haniyeh in Iran (July 2024) and Yahya Sinwar in southern Gaza (October 2024).
Israeli Airstrike on Qatar Dismantles Hamas or Destabilizes the Middle East?
The Israeli airstrike on Qatar represents a dangerous new chapter in the war, risking the involvement of regional powers and complicating fragile ceasefire negotiations.
As condemnation mounts and humanitarian concerns deepen, the question remains whether this action brings Israel closer to dismantling Hamas—or further destabilizes the Middle East.
