In shocking move, Israel strikes Hamas leadership in Doha, capital of Qatar, for 1st time
At least two senior Hamas officials said to have been present
This is a developing story.
The Israeli Air Force struck a building in the Qatari capital of Doha on Tuesday, in an attempt to eliminate the senior leadership of the terror organization Hamas.
Footage from Doha showed smoke rising above the capital. The Qatari outlet Al-Arabi reported that the building served as the bureau of Hamas official, Khalil al-Hayya.
A senior Israeli official told Israeli news outlets, “We struck the Hamas leadership in Qatar, including Khalil al-Hayya and [Zaher] al-Jabarin. We are awaiting the results of the strike. There is a consensus among the political and security leadership.”
The Saudi news outlet Al-Arabiya reported that al-Hayya was killed in the strike, but several outlets reported conflicting information regarding the Hamas leaders present before the strike.
In a statement, the IDF and Shin Bet announce targeting Hamas's leadership in Qatar in a strike carried out by the Israeli Air Force. pic.twitter.com/id8kPvYB4o
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) September 9, 2025
Later, a security source told Army Radio that Khaled Meshal, a senior leader who in the past led the terror group, wasn't in the building and is still alive.
The Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) stated, “For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization's operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7th massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.”
Several hours later, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office stressed in a statement, "Today's action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility."
However, an Israeli official told Israeli outlets that the strike had been coordinated with the U.S. beforehand.
#BREAKING: @BarakRavid reports, citing officials in #Israel, that the explosion in Doha, #Qatar is an assassination attempt against #Hamas officials. This is a significant development. Qatar has been harboring #Hamas officials and protecting them for years. Israel is exacting a… pic.twitter.com/sN2ucih5Kz
— Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) September 9, 2025
The IDF also noted that measures were taken to mitigate harm to civilians in the city of over one million residents. These included “the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence,” it said.
“The IDF and ISA will continue to operate with determination in order to defeat the Hamas terrorist organization responsible for the October 7th massacre,” the statement concluded.
A source familiar with the details told i24NEWS that a Hamas delegation had convened in the building to discuss a new American proposal that was delivered to them by the Prime Minister of Qatar. This meeting took place after several senior Hamas officials had just returned from Turkey.
The highly unusual strike in a country that is a major non-NATO ally of the United States is expected to end Qatar's role as a mediator in the negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
The U.S. Central Command's (CENTCOM) new chief, Adm. Brad Cooper, visited Israel for the first time several days ago.
After the strike, Qatar announced that the negotiations between Hamas and Israel would be suspended.
The spokesman of Qatar's Foreign Ministry, Majed Al Ansari, strongly condemned "the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the political bureau of the Hamas movement."
"This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar," the spokesman continued.
"While strongly condemning this attack, the State of Qatar emphasizes that it will not tolerate this reckless and irresponsible Israeli behavior, which continuously undermines the region’s security, or any action targeting its security and sovereignty. Investigations are ongoing at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as they become available."
The city of Doha is located some 1,800 km (1,100 miles) from the Israeli border, a greater distance than almost all Israeli strikes in Iran and Yemen in recent years.
Military officials told Israeli media that the operation was carried out by the Air Force using several fighter jets, under guidance by the Shin Bet's Special Operations Division.
Popular article:
interview Easter message of resurrection hope amid war at Jerusalem's Garden Tomb
biblical commentary Let my people go: a Passover message for today
4 IDF soldiers killed, 2 wounded in fighting in southern Lebanon, as Israel eliminates dozens of Hezbollah terrorists
Receive latest news & updates
A message from All Israel News
Help us educate Christians on a daily basis about what is happening in Israel & the Middle East and why it matters.
For as little as $10, you can support ALL ISRAEL NEWS, a non-profit media organization that is supported by readers like you.
Latest articles:
North American Jewish organizations to recruit 100 professionals to combat antisemitism
‘No need’ for pre-election Iran strike, IDF chief says as gov’t, opposition trade blame for potential escalation – report
terror attack 2 Israeli soldiers killed, 2 terrorists eliminated in Hebron shooting; IDF says much larger attack was prevented
analysis A people dwelling securely? Israel’s strategic standing, 3 years after Oct 7
Hamas on wheels: What I found in Dearborn reveals a troubling history and a battle over Israel
