Israel carried out an airstrike on September 9, 2025, targeting Hamas leaders in a residential compound in Doha, Qatar’s Leqtaifiya district. The strike involved approximately 15 Israeli fighter jets dropping ten bombs on the Hamas Political Bureau’s headquarters. Six people were killed, including senior Hamas officials such as Humam al-Hayya, son of negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, as well as a Qatari security officer. Hamas reported that their senior leadership, including Khalil al-Hayya, survived the attack.
The strike coincided with ongoing ceasefire negotiations mediated by the United States, aimed at halting hostilities and securing the release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took responsibility for the operation. Qatar condemned the attack as a breach of its sovereignty and suspended ceasefire discussions. The United States said it was informed of the strike beforehand.
Qatar’s Reaction
Qatar condemned the strike vehemently. The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a “serious threat to security,” decrying the violation of its sovereignty as a “blatant breach” that undermines regional peace efforts. The ministry spokesperson Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari stated,
“The call from a US official came during the sound of explosions caused by the Israeli attack in Doha.”
Qatar further announced the suspension of ongoing negotiations in light of the aggression and vowed to continue defending its territorial integrity.
United States
The Trump administration expressed mixed reactions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged the U.S. military had been informed about the strike in advance, and that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had attempted to alert Qatar. However, Trump himself was critical, stating on his social media platform,
“I felt very badly about the strike. It does not advance Israel or America’s goals.”
Trump further assured Qatar’s leadership that such an operation would not be repeated without proper prior notification.
Russia
Russia’s Foreign Ministry criticized the strike as an “escalation with unpredictable regional consequences.” Sergey Lavrov urged all parties to “exercise maximum restraint” and return to diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully, warning that continuing military actions risked further destabilizing the Middle East.
China
China’s official stance called for “respect for state sovereignty and adherence to international law.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned any acts undermining international peace efforts and urged the conflicting parties to recommit to negotiation and dialogue.
Regional and Global Context
The strike not only shattered the fragile ceasefire talks but also widened the diplomatic rift between Israel and Gulf Arab states, particularly Qatar. Analysts assert the attack damages Israel’s relations beyond Qatar, risking the goodwill of regional powers like Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Michael Milshtein, a Middle East expert at Tel Aviv University, explained,
“There is no doubt that this offensive will affect relations between Israel and Qatar, both during and after the war, and regarding the emirate’s role in Gaza.”
He emphasized the broader diplomatic consequences for Israel’s ties across the Middle East.
While Israel justifies the operation as a necessary strike against leaders responsible for the October 7 massacre, the action has intensified hostilities and imperiled the prospects for peace.
Human Cost and Future Prospects
The civilian population in Gaza continues to bear the brunt of the war, with casualties and suffering mounting daily amid the ongoing siege and airstrikes. The Israeli government’s hardline position emphasizes military victory, while regional and global powers call for renewed dialogue and humanitarian relief.
The Doha strike is a pivotal moment that illustrates the complexity and volatility of the conflict and reaffirms the urgent need for sustained diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and loss of life.
The international community watches closely as Qatar, the United States, the European Union, Russia, and China navigate this new reality, hoping for a path to stability and peace in a region fraught with long-standing tensions.
