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Inside Israel's Strike on Hamas Leadership in Doha, First Such Operation on Qatari Soil

Edited by IndianRepublic.in - Location: Doha, Qatar

Israel has carried out a targeted strike in Doha, reportedly against senior Hamas leaders, in what appears to be its first military operation on Qatari territory. The attack, confirmed to CNN by a senior Israeli source, comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations and growing international scrutiny over Israel's expanding arch of war.

Israel's Strike on Hamas Leadership in Doha
Image Source: Adame Media
Shortly after a loud explosion was heard in the Qatari capital, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility for a “precise strike” targeting Hamas’ senior leadership. The operation was conducted jointly with Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, according to a statement from the military. 

The IDF did not specify the location, but said those targeted were “directly responsible for the October 7th massacre” and “have been orchestrating the war against the State of Israel.”

A Hamas official, speaking to CNN, confirmed that the group’s negotiators in Doha were targeted. On Monday, Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ chief negotiator, had met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani to discuss a U.S.-backed proposal for a ceasefire. 

Al Jazeera Arabic, citing its correspondent Suhaib Al-Assa, reported that the strike hit a site near a residential neighbourhood, not an isolated location. Qatari security officials reportedly scrambled to secure the scene amid fears of casualties and damage.

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari condemned the attack “in the strongest terms,” calling it a “flagrant violation of international law” and a “serious threat to the security and sovereignty” of Qatar. 

In a statement, Doha said the residential buildings housed members of the Hamas political bureau and warned that investigations were underway at the highest levels.

The strike follows public threats issued by Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir, who last week warned that Hamas leadership abroad would be “neutralised.” 

Hours before the Doha attack, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had indicated Israel had accepted a new U.S. ceasefire proposal--making the timing of the strike a potential diplomatic flashpoint.

Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim, reporting from Doha, noted that Hamas leaders were actively discussing the U.S. plan when the attack occurred, raising questions about Israel’s intent to undermine the negotiation process. 

Israeli analysts have suggested the move was as much a signal as a kill operation--asserting Tel Aviv’s reach and its refusal to tolerate what it sees as impunity for exiled Hamas leaders.

Qatar, which has served as a critical mediator in hostage and ceasefire negotiations since the Gaza war began, now finds itself under direct fire for the first time. 

While no casualties have been confirmed, the implications of this strike--for regional diplomacy, Qatari neutrality, and the architecture of future negotiations--are immediate and far-reaching.

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