Israel Attacks Hamas Targets in Doha, Qatar, Following Jerusalem Attack

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Israel carried out airstrikes in Doha, the capital of Qatar, targeting leaders of the Hamas terrorist group. Among those mentioned is Khalil al-Hayya, a key figure in the organization and responsible for negotiations in ceasefire agreements. According to witnesses, powerful explosions were reported near a fuel station in the Katara area, a region known for housing residential complexes under the surveillance of Qatar’s security forces. Columns of black smoke could be seen from a distance.

According to Reuters, this action marks a significant escalation of the conflict, as it is the first time Israel has conducted military operations on Qatari soil, a country historically involved in mediating dialogues between Israel, Hamas, and other Palestinian factions. The attack comes one day after Hamas was accused of carrying out an attack in Jerusalem, which resulted in deaths and reignited internal and external tensions.

The international reaction was immediate. The Qatari government described the bombing as a “cowardly act” and a clear violation of international law, demanding that Israel be held accountable. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attacks, calling them a “serious violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and urging an immediate resumption of negotiations for a lasting ceasefire.

Israel has not yet provided full official details, but military sources indicate that the attack was planned as a direct response to the escalation prompted by Hamas. The operation reinforces Israel’s stance that it will not tolerate terrorist attacks, even if it means targeting leadership outside Palestinian territories.

The incident heightens the risk of further developments in the region, particularly because Qatar is a strategic ally of the United States in the Gulf and hosts American military bases. International analysts suggest that Israel’s operation could lead to broader diplomatic tensions, while Western leaders observe the next steps with caution.