Israel Airstrikes Target Hamas Leaders in Qatar During Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Doha, Qatar – September 9, 2025:
Israel carried out an unprecedented airstrike in Doha on Tuesday, targeting senior Hamas officials reportedly involved in ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The strike, which shook Qatar’s capital, marks a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict and has triggered widespread international condemnation.

Details of the Strike

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The attack hit a residential area in Doha’s Katara district, where top Hamas leaders, including members of the group’s negotiating team, were reportedly meeting. Hamas officials later confirmed that those targeted survived the strike, though damage and casualties were reported on the ground. Video footage shared on social media showed smoke rising over the city as residents fled in panic.

Israel’s military claimed the operation was in direct response to a Hamas-linked shooting in Jerusalem a day earlier, which left six Israelis dead. According to the IDF and Shin Bet, the strike was “precise” and aimed at Hamas leadership responsible for the October 7, 2023 attacks and ongoing operations against Israel.

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U.S. Notification and Qatar’s Reaction

The White House confirmed that Washington was informed shortly before the strike, though officials stressed the U.S. did not participate in the operation. Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire talks and host of the U.S. Al Udeid airbase, condemned the attack as a “cowardly and blatant violation of international law.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed this sentiment, describing the action as a “flagrant breach of Qatar’s sovereignty” and warning that such moves jeopardize efforts to secure peace in Gaza.

Global Response

• Turkey accused Israel of practicing “state terrorism.”

• The Arab League denounced the strike, saying Israel disregards international norms.

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, urging immediate ceasefire negotiations, hostage releases, and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Despite the outrage, Starmer is still scheduled to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in London on Wednesday, a decision drawing criticism across Europe.

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Gaza Crisis Worsens

The strike comes as Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza. Hours before the Doha attack, the IDF ordered all residents of Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a planned offensive. Palestinian health authorities report that more than 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began.

Meanwhile, Hamas had recently indicated willingness to review a U.S.-drafted ceasefire proposal, raising concerns that the strike may derail fragile negotiations. Hamas leaders accused Washington of attempting to lure them into a trap under the guise of peace talks.

Political and Strategic Implications

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the Doha strike was an independent operation, emphasizing: “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”

Analysts warn the attack could further destabilize regional diplomacy. Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute questioned the credibility of U.S. security guarantees to Gulf states, while policy expert Matt Duss called the strike “an attack on diplomacy itself.”

Outlook

With tensions escalating and diplomatic channels collapsing, fears are growing of a wider regional conflict. Qatar, once central to mediating ceasefire talks, is now directly targeted, raising doubts over future peace initiatives.

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• Israel airstrike in Qatar 2025

• Doha Hamas leaders targeted

• Gaza ceasefire negotiations disrupted

• Middle East conflict escalation

• Qatar condemns Israeli strike

• UN reaction Israel Doha attack