• Middle East and North Africa
• John Haltiwanger

September 9, 2025, 11:40 AM View Comments ()

Israel carried out a strike targeting Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, marking a major escalation in its war against the militant group. This was seemingly the first time Israel had conducted an airstrike in Qatar.

Qatar has played a central role in cease-fire and hostage deal negotiations throughout the war and is also home to the largest U.S. air base in the Middle East, Al Udeid, which is located southwest of Doha. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs decried the Israeli strike as a blatant violation of international law, stating that the country will “not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the continuous tampering with the security of the region.” Other Gulf states were also quick to condemn the Israeli strike.

An Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive and developing nature of the matter, said the strike was apparently successful and part of a joint Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet operation. The official said the Hamas officials were in Doha to discuss a cease-fire proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump and that Washington was likely notified about the strike. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“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,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

This story is developing and will continue to be updated.