In a bold and shocking move, Israel has launched a targeted airstrike in the Qatari capital, Doha aiming at senior Hamas leaders—including chief negotiator Khalil al‑Hayya—amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The attack, which caused plumes of black smoke to rise over Doha, has sent shockwaves in the middle east.
According to widespread reports on the strike (codenamed Summit of Fire), the targets reportedly included:
Khalil al‑Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, Muhammad Ismail Darwish, Khaled Mashal, Musa Abu Marzouk, Razi Hamad, Izzat al‑Rishq, and Taher al‑Nono
“Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation,” writes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
“Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”
While Israel maintains that it has struck its targets Hamas Denies any casualties in the strike.
Details of the Strike
According to Israeli officials, the operation was conducted with precision, focusing on Hamas figures deemed responsible for orchestrating the October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel. The attack occurred near Doha’s Katara district, adjacent to a guarded residential compound—a site previously unscathed in the broader Middle East conflict.
Sources within Hamas confirmed that their negotiators survived the strike. Qatar’s government condemned the assault as “cowardly” and a blatant violation of international law and its sovereignty.
Ceasefire Talks Disrupted
The strike unfolded while Hamas negotiators were reviewing a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, coordinated by Washington and regional partners, with Qatar serving as a key mediator. The attack risks derailing fragile negotiations and sidelining ongoing efforts to reach a peaceful resolution.
Moreover, a Hamas official told AFP that the Palestinian group’s leaders targeted in Israel’s strike in Doha had gathered to discuss the latest ceasefire proposal.
“In a new Zionist crime, the Hamas negotiating delegation was targeted during its meeting in Doha, while discussing (US) President (Donald) Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” the official
Israel’s justification centers on its right to target individuals it sees as central to Hamas’ war campaign and October 7 offensive. However, international reactions were swift and condemnatory, particularly from Qatar, the UN, and several Arab League nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres labeled the strike a violation of Qatari sovereignty.
Did Trump Greenlight the Strike?
Some reports suggest the operation had the informal approval of U.S. President Donald Trump. Israeli sources told The Guardian that Trump had given the go-ahead, though Prime Minister Netanyahu later insisted the strike was an entirely Israeli initiative.
Reports outline the operation—codenamed Pisgat HaEsh or “Summit of Fire”—targeted major Hamas leaders including al‑Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, Muhammad Ismail Darwish, and Khaled Mashal. That source states Trump authorized the strike and issued a “last warning” for Hamas to agree to a hostage exchange or face consequences. While initial reports claimed al‑Hayya was killed, Hamas denied any fatalities at the time.
How Qatar May Respond
Following the unprecedented airstrike, Qatar has forcefully condemned Israel’s actions as a breach of sovereignty and international law. A high-level investigation is underway, signaling Doha’s intent to hold Israel accountable diplomatically.
This strike has severely strained Qatar’s role as a mediator. Doha may suspend or withdraw entirely from ceasefire negotiations, especially if the security of its soil and diplomatic integrity cannot be assured. In past crises, Qatar has delayed its mediation role when ceasefire talks lacked momentum or good faith; this attack heightens that likelihood.
At the diplomatic level, Qatar is expected to leverage regional solidarity and international forums to isolate Israel’s unilateral action and call for accountability. The immediate security measures, including the U.S. Embassy’s alert, also reflect growing safeguards against further escalations.
