Israel has carried out an airstrike in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Tuesday (September 9) afternoon. Israeli sources said the strike targeted senior leaders of the Palestinian armed group Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation in a statement, though without naming Qatar directly. According to the IDF, “An airstrike was carried out on several senior leaders responsible for planning the October 7 attacks on Israel. These leaders had been involved in terrorist activities for years and were directing the ongoing war against Israel.”
Channel 12 reported that Hamas’s senior leader Khaled Mashal was present at the targeted meeting. Israel had previously attempted to assassinate him in Jordan in 1997. Al Jazeera said Hamas leaders were scheduled to discuss the latest U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal at the time of the strike.
Qatar strongly condemned the attack. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said, “An airstrike was carried out on a residential building targeting several members of Hamas’s political wing. Such criminal attacks are a blatant violation of international law and norms. This is a serious threat to the safety and security of Qatar’s citizens and residents.”
He added,“Israel’s reckless actions and its continued gamble with regional security will not be tolerated. Qatar will stand firmly against any move aimed at undermining its security and sovereignty. A high-level investigation is underway, and once details are available, they will be made public.”
