Tel Aviv (BN24) – Israel carried out airstrikes in Doha targeting senior Hamas officials, including members of the group’s negotiating delegation, in a move that has rattled ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. The strike, which Israeli officials confirmed was a “precise operation” led by the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet, sparked immediate condemnation from Qatar, which called the attack “cowardly” and a “flagrant violation of international law.”
Israel’s Channel 12 reported that President Donald Trump had given a green light before the strike, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later emphasized that the operation was “wholly independent” and not conducted under Washington’s direction. Nonetheless, Israeli officials acknowledged that the United States had been notified ahead of the attack.
The strikes struck the Katara district of Doha, a popular tourist area, sending plumes of smoke over the city and residents running for cover. Footage aired on local networks showed widespread panic, while Hamas sources told Reuters and Al Jazeera that their negotiating delegation had survived the attack. The Hamas delegation had reportedly been reviewing a new U.S.-drafted ceasefire proposal when the strikes occurred, leading the group to accuse Washington of using “deception” to lure its officials into a trap.
The Israeli government framed the attack as part of its broader campaign against Hamas leaders abroad, saying those targeted were directly responsible for orchestrating the October 7 attacks and ongoing assaults against Israel. “For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led operations and managed the war against the state of Israel,” the IDF and Shin Bet said in a joint statement, stressing that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties.
The escalation comes as Israel intensifies its offensive in Gaza, with the IDF ordering the forced displacement of all residents from Gaza City ahead of a planned occupation. The timing of the strike also coincides with upcoming diplomatic moves, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s scheduled visit to the United Kingdom later this week.
The assault in Doha underscores Israel’s expanding campaign to target Hamas officials abroad, less than two weeks after IDF chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir vowed that leaders sheltering outside Gaza would be hunted down. Meanwhile, President Trump reiterated his warning to Hamas, urging the group to accept a deal for the release of hostages taken in the October 2023 attack that triggered the war.
