Israeli Strike in Doha has shaken Qatar after heavy explosions rocked residential areas of its capital on Monday night. Israel claimed the attack targeted senior Hamas leaders during a high-level meeting.
The Israeli military confirmed its forces carried out the strike. It said the Air Force, Shin Bet, and IDF jointly launched the operation. According to the statement, those targeted were directly involved in the October 7 assault and later operations. Israel said precision weapons were used to reduce civilian harm.
A Hamas source told the international media that the strike hit its negotiating team. The group was discussing a ceasefire proposal mediated by the United States and Qatar. This marked the first Israeli strike in Doha, a country central to truce talks and host of the US Al Udeid Air Base.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli strike in Doha, calling it a “cowardly and criminal assault.” It described the attack as a violation of international law and a threat to citizens and residents. Security forces quickly sealed off the area, secured damaged buildings, and began assessing casualties.
Iran denounced the strike, warning it violated Qatar’s sovereignty and risked wider instability. In contrast, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid praised the attack as an “exceptional operation” against Hamas. The sharply divided responses highlighted the deepening tensions across the region.
Eyewitnesses described fear and confusion as explosions struck close to residential homes. Al Jazeera reported that the targeted area was highly sensitive, raising concerns over regional escalation.
The Doha strike came weeks after Israel vowed to pursue Hamas leaders abroad. Senior commanders pledged to target them “wherever they are.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed over 64,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 163,000 since October 2023. Thousands remain buried under rubble.
