An Israeli airstrike targeted a Hamas compound in Doha, Qatar, killing six people, including the son of top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and a Qatari security officer. The attack, the first on Qatari soil, has drawn sharp condemnation and threatens Gaza ceasefire talks. Hamas confirmed the deaths but said its senior leaders survived.
The Israeli military, with Shin Bet, struck Hamas leaders in Doha, targeting figures like Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal. Hamas reported that al-Hayya’s son, aide, and three bodyguards died. A Hamas official told Al Jazeera the strike was a “cowardly assassination attempt,” but the leadership escaped unharmed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the attack in response to a Hamas-claimed shooting in Jerusalem on September 8 that killed six people. He called it a “wholly independent” operation, with Israel taking full responsibility.
Prime Minister's Office:
Today's action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation.
Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 9, 2025Qatar, a key mediator in Gaza truce talks, condemned the strike as a “cowardly” violation of its sovereignty. Foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said it targeted homes of Hamas political bureau members. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called it a “blatant violation of international law.”
UN chief Antonio Guterres labelled the attack a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty. Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE also criticised Israel, with Iran calling it an attack on Palestinian negotiators.
A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that the Hamas leadership delegation, led by Dr. Khalil al-Hayya, survived the Israeli assassination attempt in Doha, Qatar.
This footage of the aftermath suggests that the complex was not completely destroyed, despite being hit with more… pic.twitter.com/Gb6v6bsNY2
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) September 9, 2025The strike has derailed ceasefire efforts, with Qatar, the US, and Egypt previously securing two temporary truces since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023. Analyst Muhammad Shehada said, “Israel killed the negotiations,” as Doha’s Hamas office was central to mediation. The White House confirmed Israel had notified the US beforehand, noting Qatar’s role as a key ally.
The attack marks a major escalation, targeting Hamas leaders abroad and straining diplomatic ties with Qatar. It raises questions about the future of Gaza truce talks and hostage releases. As Israel intensifies its Gaza City assault, the strike’s fallout could reshape regional dynamics.
