Doha – Israel has admitted that it launched a military strike targeting Hamas’s leadership in Qatar, while they were considering a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In the afternoon on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, explosions were heard, and smoke was seen rising above Doha, Qatar.
Israel confirmed and claimed responsibility for a strike targeting senior Hamas leaders in the capital city during negotiations that were taking place.
This is an unprecedented strike on Qatar, which just happens to be the key mediator in the Gaza conflict and the only direct connection between the US, Israel, and Hamas.
Hamas confirmed that six people were killed in the Israeli strike but claimed the negotiating team all survived.
The sixth person killed was a member of Qatar’s internal security forces, Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi.
This is a huge threat to the region and a major issue, which could impact all peace efforts in the Middle East.
The Qatari foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, said “the cowardly Israeli attack” targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Hamas political bureau in Doha.
“While strongly condemning this attack, the State of Qatar emphasises that it will not tolerate this reckless and irresponsible Israeli behaviour,” Al Ansari said on X.
The White House was notified of the launch, as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt verified during the press conference.
Leavitt said that Qatar is a “close ally” of the United States and that President Trump feels “very badly” about the location of the attack.
Qatar is one of the U.S.’s closest allies in the Middle East and home to the biggest American military base in the region.
Furthermore, Qatar denies receiving a warning from the US of the strike, saying that the notification came after the explosion was heard.
“The call received from an American official came as explosions sounded from the Israeli attack in Doha,” Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari posted on X.
In a statement, Qatar strongly condemned the “cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha”.
The statement added: “This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar”.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it affirms that the security forces, civil defense, and relevant authorities immediately began addressing the incident and taking necessary measures to contain its repercussions and ensure the safety of the residents and surrounding areas.
“While the State of Qatar strongly condemns this assault, it confirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its security and sovereignty,” the statement said.
“Investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as they are available.”
The situation is very concerning; however, Qatar will continue mediation efforts and says it reserves the right to respond to Israel.
