What's happened
On September 9, 2025, Israel conducted a rare airstrike in Doha targeting senior Hamas political leaders amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The attack, condemned by Qatar and multiple Gulf states, disrupted peace talks and raised regional tensions. Israel claimed the strike was a precise operation against those responsible for the October 2023 attacks on Israel.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Escalation Beyond Gaza
Israel's strike in Qatar marks a significant shift in its campaign against Hamas, extending beyond traditional battlefields like Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Targeting Hamas leaders in Doha—the first such attack on Qatari soil—signals Israel's intent to disrupt Hamas's political command centers wherever they operate.
Impact on Ceasefire Negotiations
The timing of the strike, during active ceasefire talks brokered by Qatar and the US, undermines diplomatic efforts. Qatar's suspension of its mediator role following the attack highlights the fragility of peace initiatives and risks prolonging the conflict.
Regional Repercussions and Alliances
The attack drew widespread condemnation from Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan, emphasizing regional solidarity with Qatar and concern over sovereignty violations. Turkey and Iran framed the strike as evidence of Israel's expansionist policies and state-sponsored terrorism.
US Involvement and Ambiguity
While Israeli officials assert the operation was independent, reports suggest US President Donald Trump may have approved the strike, though he has not publicly confirmed this. This ambiguity complicates perceptions of US neutrality in mediation efforts.
Forecast and Consequences
This escalation will likely harden Hamas's stance and diminish trust in diplomatic channels, increasing the risk of broader regional instability. Gulf states' unified condemnation may pressure Israel diplomatically but are unlikely to deter further military actions. The conflict's trajectory suggests continued violence with limited prospects for immediate resolution.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel detailed the strike's target as senior Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, and reported Israeli optimism about their deaths, while Hamas sources claimed survival. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari condemned the attack as a "blatant violation of all international laws and norms," emphasizing threats to Qatar's security and sovereignty. Al Jazeera highlighted the broad regional condemnation, quoting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling the strike a "flagrant violation" of Qatar's sovereignty and urging all parties to pursue a ceasefire. The Independent's Taz Ali reported on the strike's timing amid ceasefire talks and noted conflicting reports on Hamas leaders' fate, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu asserting the operation was "wholly independent." Business Insider UK emphasized the strategic shift in Israeli tactics, noting the use of precise munitions and intelligence to minimize civilian harm. Gulf News and South China Morning Post underscored the rarity of the attack on Qatar and the potential for regional spillover. These sources collectively illustrate the strike's military precision, diplomatic fallout, and the complex interplay between regional actors and international mediation efforts.
How we got here
Since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, the region has been embroiled in conflict. Qatar has served as a key mediator hosting Hamas's political bureau and US military forces. Despite intermittent ceasefire talks, violence has persisted, with Israel targeting Hamas leadership across the Middle East.
Go deeper
- What was the impact of the strike on ceasefire negotiations?
- How did Gulf states respond to the Israeli attack in Qatar?
- What role has Qatar played in mediating the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Common question
-
Why Did Israel Target Hamas Leaders in Qatar?
The recent Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders, marks a significant escalation in regional tensions. This move raises many questions about Israel's strategic goals, regional stability, and Qatar's response. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this incident and what it means for the Middle East moving forward.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today in 2025?
Stay updated with the top headlines shaping 2025. From global economic shifts to regional conflicts and tech industry tensions, these stories are influencing the world stage. Curious about how these events connect and what they mean for you? Read on to get the latest insights and answers to your pressing questions.
More on these topics
-
Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
-
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Doha is the capital and most populous city of the State of Qatar. It has a population of 956,460. The city is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east of the country, North of Al Wakrah and South of Al Khor.
-
The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
-
Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
-
Khalil al-Hayya is a senior Hamas official who was elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council on 25 January 2006 as a representative of Gaza City. He resides in the neighborhood of Shuja'iyya.