Shockwaves in Doha: Israel Targets Hamas Leadership in Unprecedented Strike
By Binnabook Editorial Team
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel reportedly carried out a targeted military strike in Qatar on Tuesday, marking what appears to be the first known Israeli operation against Hamas leadership within the Gulf nation. The strike, confirmed by two Israeli sources speaking to CNN, aimed at senior figures of the militant group, including chief negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya.
A senior Israeli official stated, “We are awaiting the results of the strike,” signaling the high-stakes nature of the operation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the Shin Bet security agency, later issued a statement claiming responsibility for a “precise strike” against Hamas’ senior leadership, though the location was not explicitly confirmed.
The Qatari government swiftly condemned the attack. Foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari described the strike as a “cowardly” and “criminal assault,” calling it a “blatant violation of international laws and norms.” He added that Qatar “will not tolerate this reckless and irresponsible Israeli behavior,” in a statement posted on X.
Hamas officials confirmed that their negotiators were indeed targeted in Doha, intensifying diplomatic fallout. The United States, a close ally of both Israel and Qatar, was reportedly informed ahead of the strike. However, official responses from the White House and State Department remain pending.
The incident has triggered immediate security responses. The U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place directive for its facilities, citing reports of missile activity in Doha. “US citizens are advised to shelter-in-place,” the embassy announced via social media.
Qatar, home to the strategic Al Udeid Air Base the largest American military installation in the region has long played a balancing role in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Designated a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2022, the Gulf state has hosted key negotiations between Hamas and international mediators. Just one day before the strike, Khalil Al-Hayya met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Doha.
This latest development follows a turbulent year in the region. Al Udeid Air Base itself came under Iranian attack earlier this year, after U.S. forces struck nuclear facilities in Iran during Israel’s June campaign. The ripple effects of Tuesday’s strike could further complicate diplomatic efforts and regional stability.
As the international community watches closely, the implications of Israel’s operation in Qatar may redefine the boundaries of conflict and diplomacy in the Middle East
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