Doha : In a bold and highly controversial move, the Israeli Air Force reportedly conducted a precision airstrike in Doha, the capital of Qatar, resulting in the deaths of two senior Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, a key figure in the organization’s political leadership.
The attack reportedly took place during a closed-door meeting of top Hamas officials, where discussions were underway regarding a ceasefire proposal recently introduced by U.S. President Joe Biden in an effort to de-escalate the ongoing war in Gaza.
The Israeli military acknowledged responsibility for the strike, stating that the operation specifically targeted Hamas’ upper command structure. While the death of Khalil al-Hayya has been confirmed by Hamas-linked sources, details regarding the second leader killed and the status of other participants remain unclear.
This strike marks a significant shift in Israel’s military strategy, as it extends direct action beyond Gaza and into Qatari territory — a nation that has historically served as a mediator in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts and hosts Hamas’s political bureau.
The unprecedented nature of the strike has sparked alarm among international observers, with fears that the incident could derail fragile diplomatic efforts and trigger a wider regional crisis. Analysts warn that the targeting of Hamas leadership on neutral foreign soil may further polarize an already volatile Middle East.
As of now, Qatari authorities have not publicly responded to the incident, but diplomatic reactions from key regional and global powers are expected in the coming hours.
