Israel carried out a strike in Qatar's capital on Tuesday against senior Hamas figures, marking what appears to be the first known Israeli military action inside the Gulf state and escalating tensions in the region.
Two Israeli officials confirmed to CNN that the strike targeted Hamas leaders, including chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya. A senior Hamas official also told the network that its representatives in Doha were attacked. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the operation was conducted jointly with the Shin Bet security service and was aimed at "senior leadership" of Hamas.
"For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization's operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel," the IDF said. The military added that it used "precise munitions and additional intelligence" to minimize civilian casualties.
Initial reports from Fox News identified Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin as the targets of the strike. Al-Hayya had met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Doha just one day before the attack.
Qatar strongly denounced the strike, describing it as an assault on its sovereignty. "The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the cowardly Israeli attack targeting the residential headquarters of several members of the Hamas Political Bureau in the Qatari capital, Doha," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said. He added that the attack was a "blatant violation of international laws and norms" and a "serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents of Qatar."
Qatar's government confirmed the strike hit a residential site where members of Hamas' political bureau lived. Al Ansari said security and emergency agencies were deployed immediately to contain the consequences of the attack.
The move underscores Israel's growing willingness to strike Hamas leadership beyond Gaza, following nearly two years of war in the enclave triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023 assault that killed about 1,200 people in Israel. Israeli officials have repeatedly said Hamas leaders abroad are directing military and political operations.
