Israel launches attack on Hamas leaders in Doha

Photo of Liana S in Unsplash

Israel carried out its first known attack on Doha, Qatar, carrying out a missile strike on the capital, striking at a critical moment in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Details of the attack

The attack took place in Doha's Leqtaifiya district at 3:46 p.m. local time (UTC+3) on September 9, 2025. The targets were Hamas leaders participating in US-brokered ceasefire talks.
The outcome was tragic: six people died, including a Qatari security official and several Hamas members; however, key leaders, such as Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, survived.

International reactions

• Russia condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of international law and Qatari sovereignty, warning that it could further destabilize the Middle East.
• Türkiye, for its part, called the action a state embrace of terrorism and accused Israel of obstructing peace efforts.
• The United Kingdom, through Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also harshly criticized the operation, stating that it violated Qatar's sovereignty and threatened the diplomatic process.

Regional and diplomatic impact

The attack occurred amid ceasefire talks in Gaza, which has been interpreted as a serious setback for peace efforts. Qatar, which has been key in mediating the conflict, emphasized that such an action violates international law and puts national security at risk.

The White House described the incident as an "unfortunate incident" and made it clear that the United States was informed in advance of the operation. This diplomatic reaction highlights the tension between maintaining strategic alliances and preserving regional stability.

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Sources:

• AP News
• The Guardian