Israel Acknowledges Airstrikes in Qatar Aimed at Hamas Leaders
Doha – Israel has acknowledged that it executed a military strike aimed at Hamas’s leadership in Qatar, which occurred while they were considering a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
On Tuesday afternoon, 9 September 2025, explosions were reported, with smoke spotted rising above Doha, Qatar.
Israel confirmed and took responsibility for a strike targeting senior Hamas leaders in the capital during ongoing negotiations.
This strike marks an unprecedented action against Qatar, a critical mediator in the Gaza conflict and the sole direct link between the U.S., Israel, and Hamas.
Hamas confirmed that six individuals were killed in the Israeli strike but asserted that the negotiating team remained unharmed.
The sixth victim was identified as Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi, a member of Qatar’s internal security forces.
This represents a significant threat to the region and poses a major concern that could affect all peace efforts in the Middle East.
Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, stated that “the cowardly Israeli attack” targeted residential buildings housing multiple members of the Hamas political bureau in Doha.
“While we strongly condemn this attack, the State of Qatar emphasizes that it will not tolerate this reckless and irresponsible Israeli behavior,” Al Ansari declared on X.
The White House was informed about the strike, as confirmed by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press conference.
Leavitt noted that Qatar is a “close ally” of the United States and that President Trump feels “very badly” about the attack’s location.
Qatar is among the U.S.’s closest allies in the Middle East and hosts the largest American military base in the region.
Moreover, Qatar denies receiving prior warning from the U.S. regarding the strike, stating that notification arrived after the explosions were heard.
“The call from an American official came as explosions erupted from the Israeli attack in Doha,” Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari posted on X.
In a statement, Qatar condemned the “cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha.”
The statement further emphasized: “This criminal assault represents a blatant violation of all international laws and norms and poses a severe threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar confirmed that security forces, civil defense, and relevant authorities acted swiftly to manage the incident and mitigate its effects, ensuring the safety of residents and surrounding areas.
“While the State of Qatar strongly condemns this assault, it insists that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and the persistent disruption of regional security, nor any act that endangers its security and sovereignty,” the statement continued.
“Investigations are currently underway at the highest level, and further information will be disclosed as it becomes available.”
The situation remains highly concerning; however, Qatar will persist with mediation efforts and asserts its right to respond to Israel.