In an unprecedented move, Israel launched airstrikes on the Qatari capital, Doha, on Tuesday, claiming to target senior Hamas leaders—a dramatic escalation that drew swift and widespread condemnation across the Arab world and beyond. The Israeli military and Shin Bet security agency said in a joint statement that the air force conducted "a precise and targeted strike on Hamas leadership in Doha." Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions in the Katara district, with smoke rising over parts of the city. According to Israeli media, including Channel 12, the strike targeted a senior Hamas delegation. Citing an Israeli official, Axios reported the attack was an assassination attempt on members of Hamas's political bureau. Al Jazeera, citing Hamas sources, said the delegation—led by Khalil al-Hayya—survived the strike, which occurred during a meeting reportedly discussing a US-brokered ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Qatar reacted sharply, calling the strike a "criminal assault" and a "grave violation of its sovereignty and international law." Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Doha "will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior" and confirmed that a high-level investigation had been launched. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack as "a flagrant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity," highlighting Qatar's role as a key mediator in Gaza and urging restraint to avoid further escalation. Turkey and Iran also issued strong condemnations. Ankara called the airstrike "a vile assault on Qatar's sovereignty," while Tehran described it as "a dangerous and criminal act with serious regional implications." Egypt decried the strike as "a dangerous precedent" that undermines international efforts to de-escalate the Gaza conflict. Saudi Arabia expressed full solidarity with Qatar, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly assuring the Qatari Emir during a phone call that "all Saudi capabilities are at Qatar's disposal." The Saudi Foreign Ministry called on the international community to act swiftly to stop what it described as "Israeli violations threatening regional security." Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Algeria issued similar statements condemning the strike and expressing support for Qatar. Jordan's King Abdullah told the Qatari Emir, "Qatar's security is Jordan's security," echoing a broader regional sentiment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz defended the strike, stating it was launched "based on an operational opportunity" and aimed at Hamas leaders who "orchestrated the October 7 attacks and continue to plan and execute deadly operations against Israel." This marks the first known Israeli military strike on Qatari territory, raising the specter of a broader regional escalation. The attack comes as international negotiations to reach a ceasefire in Gaza remain stalled, threatening to further destabilize an already volatile region.
