Multiple explosions shook Doha on September 9, in what Israel confirmed was a targeted airstrike against senior Hamas leaders. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency acknowledged responsibility, marking the first known Israeli military action on Qatari soil.
Eyewitnesses reported loud blasts and plumes of smoke rising from central Doha, near what appeared to be a compound housing Hamas officials. Videos on social media showed streaks in the sky resembling missile strikes, with no immediate casualties confirmed.
An Israeli official described the strike as a precise operation to eliminate Hamas leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel takes “full responsibility” for what he called an independent military action. Shin Bet confirmed it had provided intelligence for the attack.
Hamas, which maintains a political office in Doha, accused Israel of attempting to assassinate negotiators engaged in ceasefire and hostage talks. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas figure who had met Qatari officials a day earlier, was believed to be among those targeted.
Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, strongly condemned the attack. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dr. Majed al-Ansari described it as a “cowardly assault” and a blatant violation of international law that threatened the security of Qataris and residents.
He said security forces and civil defense units quickly moved to contain the aftermath and ensure the safety of nearby areas.“The State of Qatar will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and violation of its sovereignty,” the ministry said, adding that high-level investigations are underway.
As of late Tuesday, no fatalities had been officially reported, though both Israel and Hamas signaled the episode could mark a turning point in the ongoing conflict.