The BRICS TimesIsrael military has confirmed the strike in Doha, stating it carried out a targeted operation against top Hamas leaders.
Powerful blasts shook Doha on Tuesday after the Israeli military announced it had struck senior Hamas officials in the Qatari capital.
Officials confirmed the strike on Hamas leadership in Doha, describing it as a carefully executed attack against key figures. The operation focused on Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’ exiled Gaza chief and senior negotiator, along with other top leaders.
“The IDF (Israeli military) and ISA (security agency) conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation,” the military statement said without sharing additional details.
The Israeli military added, “For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have directed the group’s operations, were directly responsible for the October 7th massacre, and have been orchestrating the ongoing war against the State of Israel.”
The explosions were part of an assassination attempt targeting Hamas officials in Doha, where the group’s political bureau has long been based.
Qatar has served as a mediator between Hamas and Israel for years, even before the recent war in Gaza. The presence of Hamas’ leadership in the country has been central to several negotiation efforts.
Israeli officials claimed they had taken steps to reduce civilian casualties, using accurate munitions and intelligence to minimize collateral damage.
The latest assault on top Hamas leaders could complicate talks regarding a Gaza ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.
Qatar, however, sharply condemned the incident, calling it a reckless attack that endangered the safety of civilians.
“The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential headquarters housing several members of the political bureau of the movement in the Qatari capital, Doha. This criminal assault constitutes a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry declared.
International response
Following the operation, Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praised the attack.
Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying, “Israeli initiated it, Israeli conducted it and Israel takes full responsibility.”
Israel’s finance minister also defended the decision, calling it the “right move” to eliminate Hamas leadership.
Meanwhile, global reactions poured in. Iran and the UAE strongly condemned the strike, while the US Embassy in Doha issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud offered support to Qatar, pledging to provide all necessary resources in response to the Israeli attack.
Akshay Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta
