The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that they executed a targeted strike against the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization, coinciding with significant explosions reported in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
The government of Qatar condemned the operation, calling it a “cowardly Israeli strike” that violated international law.
Although the IDF did not confirm the exact location of the strikes in its initial statement, it specified that the operation aimed at high-ranking Hamas leaders accused of orchestrating the brutal October 7 massacre and managing ongoing hostilities against Israel.
The Israeli military later clarified to CBS News that their statement pertained to an assault conducted on Tuesday in Doha, designated as “Summit of Fire.”
Al-Jazeera reported that Hamas leaders were meeting in Doha at the time of the strike to discuss a ceasefire proposal put forth by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at resolving the escalating conflict in Gaza.
In response to the strike, Hamas termed the attack “a heinous crime, a blatant aggression, and a flagrant violation of all international norms and laws.”
Hamas claimed that five members of its delegation were killed while revealing that an individual from Qatari Internal Security also died in the operation.
Moreover, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of demonstrating a lack of interest in reaching a truce, stating, “Targeting the negotiating delegation, at a moment when it was discussing the latest proposal… confirms that Netanyahu and his government do not wish to reach any agreement.”
Witnesses reported observing significant plumes of black smoke rising from a gas station near a residential compound that had reportedly been guarded continuously since the war in Gaza began.
The IDF emphasized that prior to the strike, measures were implemented to minimize civilian harm through the use of precise munitions and enhanced intelligence.
Netanyahu’s office later asserted that this action against top Hamas leaders was solely an Israeli initiative for which Israel assumes full responsibility.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the Trump administration received notification about the strikes from the U.S. military, indicating that Israel informed the U.S. just before the operation occurred.
U.S. officials noted, however, that the U.S. did not engage in coordination with Israel concerning planning for the strikes.
Subsequently, a senior U.S. intelligence official indicated that the U.S. informed Qatar about the strike only after being briefed by Israel.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly refuted claims that it had been notified in advance, stating that the first contact from an American official came as explosions were underway.
In a joint statement, Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz explained that the decision for the operation stemmed from a tactical opportunity, asserting the necessity of targeting Hamas leaders responsible for the October 7 massacre and ongoing violence against Israel.
Countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey voiced their condemnation of the Israeli strikes in Doha.
Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and the European Union, has maintained a pivotal political presence in Doha for several years, using the location for its diplomatic endeavors since the inception of the conflict following the group’s October 7 attack on Israel.
Qatar, a close U.S. ally that hosts the Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, has acted as one of the mediators in the ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas.
The Qatari government labeled the strike as a “cowardly attack” targeting residences that housed members of Hamas’s political bureau, calling it a “criminal act” constituting a blatant infringement of international laws and norms.
Dr. Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized Qatar’s firm position against Israeli actions that destabilize the region and threaten its sovereignty, stating that investigations are underway.
The U.S. Embassy in Doha acknowledged reports of missile strikes and enacted a shelter-in-place order for its facilities, later lifting the order following the immediate threat.
In the wake of the attacks, a representative group for families of hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas assault expressed deep concern and anxiety about the situation in Doha.
The families called for a comprehensive plan from the Israeli government to secure the return of all 48 hostages, with Netanyahu previously asserting that 20 of those captives are believed to be alive.
Reflecting the gravity of the situation, the families stated, “The time has come to end the war.”
As international reactions unfold, the events surrounding the strike in Doha and the implications for ongoing ceasefire efforts remain a focal point of discourse.
image source from：cbsnews
