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Israel launched a dramatic escalation in its war against Hamas with an unprecedented airstrike on the terror group’s political leadership in Doha, Qatar, a key U.S. ally. The attack targeted senior Hamas officials who were meeting to consider a U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza, killing five lower-ranked officials and one Qatari security officer while the top leadership survived.
The strike hit residential areas in Qatar’s capital, prompting strong condemnation from the Gulf nation, which called it a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.” Qatar has hosted Hamas leadership since 2012 and served as a crucial mediator between Israel and Hamas throughout the 23-month conflict. Saudi Arabia and the UAE expressed support for Qatar following the attack.
Key Hamas figures targeted included Khalil al-Hayya, the current acting leader; Khaled Mashaal, a former group leader; and Zaher Jaborin, Hamas’s finance chief. Israel characterized the operation as a “precise strike” using at least 10 bombs on Hamas residences, with officials expressing optimism about the results.
President Trump revealed he had instructed Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatari officials of the impending attack. However, the White House criticized Israel’s decision, calling it counterproductive to Israeli and American goals while acknowledging that eliminating Hamas remains worthwhile. Mr. Trump assured Qatar the attack would not be repeated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel acted independently without U.S. coordination, taking full responsibility for the operation. He framed the strike within the context of protecting Jewish lives, stating that since Israel’s founding, Jews can no longer be “murdered with impunity.”
The airstrike represents part of Israel’s broader military campaign that began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed approximately 1,200 people. Israel has previously struck Hamas-supporting entities in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen during this conflict.
Simultaneously, Israeli forces ordered a complete evacuation of Gaza City ahead of a major ground offensive, marking an escalation from previous targeted neighborhood warnings. Palestinian civilians were directed to move toward the coastal Al-Mawasi humanitarian area via Al-Rashid Street.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid praised the operation but raised concerns about hostage safety, questioning whether risks to dozens of Israelis still held in Gaza were properly considered. The situation highlights the complex balance between military objectives and diplomatic relationships as the conflict continues to expand beyond Gaza’s borders.
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The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
