Israeli forces struck Hamas leadership in Doha on Tuesday, intensifying their campaign against the group under “Summit of Fire.” Eyewitnesses described smoke rising over the Katara district and reported multiple explosions in the area. Israeli officials confirmed the operation specifically targeted senior Hamas figures.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement claiming full responsibility. “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” the statement said. Officials emphasized that the mission was independent and not coordinated with allies.
Unconfirmed reports suggest all four members of the Hamas Political Bureau, the group’s highest decision-making body, were either killed or remain missing. Qatari officials, however, stated no confirmed deaths had been recorded so far.
Qatar Condemns Strike on Its Territory
The Qatari Foreign Ministry confirmed residential buildings housing Hamas officials were struck. In a strongly worded statement on X, the ministry condemned the attack as “reckless Israeli behaviour” and confirmed that “investigations are under way at the highest level.” Officials promised to release further details once assessments conclude.
Qatar has long served as a base for Hamas’ senior leadership, including Ismail Haniyeh, who lived in Doha after leaving Gaza in 2017. His assassination in Tehran in July 2024 heightened tensions around the group’s leadership in exile. The latest strike has again drawn attention to Qatar’s central role in mediating regional conflicts and hosting Hamas’ political wing.
International Fallout and Security Response
The US Embassy in Doha issued a shelter-in-place order for staff and advised American citizens to do the same. Euronews reported that Qatari armed forces had been activated following the attack, raising concerns of further escalation.
An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed the operation involved the air force but provided no further details. Witnesses in Katara described chaos after the blasts, with emergency vehicles rushing toward the site.
This marks the second direct attack on Qatar this year. In June, Iran fired missiles at the Al Udeid base during clashes with Israel, underlining the country’s vulnerability despite its wealth and diplomatic reach.
Hamas leadership remains scattered outside Gaza, with several members residing in Qatar. Analysts warn that the strike on Doha could destabilize ongoing ceasefire talks, given that Hamas’ negotiators were reportedly among those targeted.
Israel’s latest action highlights its willingness to pursue Hamas leaders far beyond Gaza, intensifying fears of widening regional conflict and further complicating international mediation efforts.
