On Tuesday, Israel launched missile attacks on Qatar’s capital, Doha, targeting senior leaders of Hamas. This aggressive move comes amidst ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Gaza, where over 64,600 individuals have reportedly lost their lives since the conflict escalated in October 2023. Qatar, recognized as a pivotal mediator in the discussions between Hamas and the United States, condemned the attack, asserting it is a blatant violation of international law and Qatar’s sovereignty.
On Tuesday, around 3 PM local time (12:00 GMT), loud explosions reverberated across Doha, followed by dark plumes of smoke rising into the sky. Reports indicated that residents from various neighborhoods, including staff at Al Jazeera’s office, could hear the blasts. By 4 PM local time (13:00 GMT), Israel’s military confirmed the missile strikes were aimed at a compound believed to house Hamas political leaders. This incident marks the first time Israel has conducted an attack on Qatar, a nation that has played host to numerous ceasefire negotiations over the past two years.
The missile strikes were concentrated in the West Bay Lagoon area of Doha, a district known for its foreign embassies, schools, supermarkets, and residential compounds. This region is home to both Qatari nationals and expatriates from around the globe.
A Hamas official disclosed to Al Jazeera Arabic that the attack specifically targeted the group’s ceasefire negotiators. The timing coincided with discussions regarding a new ceasefire proposal from the U.S. Senior Hamas leader Suhail al-Hindi confirmed that the leadership present during the attack survived, but tragically, it resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including al-Hayya’s son, Humam, and an aide. Al-Hindi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, stating, “The blood of the leadership of the movement is like the blood of any Palestinian child.”
As per reports from Qatar, alongside the fatalities of Humam and his aide, at least one Qatari security official was also killed, with additional injuries among Qatar’s security forces. The nation’s Interior Ministry stated that specialized teams were deployed to secure the area following the attack, assuring the public that the situation was under control.
In an official post, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the operation was a unilateral action by Israel, emphasizing that it was aimed at top Hamas leaders involved in orchestrating violence against Israel. The Israeli leadership justified the attack by linking it to a recent shooting in occupied East Jerusalem, claiming it was a necessary response to ongoing threats against Israeli citizens.
The missile strikes on Doha have incited widespread condemnation from various countries and international organizations. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry referred to the attack as a “brutal Israeli aggression” and affirmed their solidarity with Qatar. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry criticized Israel for undermining peace efforts, while the UAE called the action “blatant and cowardly.” Additionally, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres labeled the missile strikes as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty.
Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Minister, condemned the attack as a serious threat to the security of both Qatari citizens and residents. He emphasized that Qatar would not tolerate such reckless behavior and that investigations were underway to address the incident. Qatar's Interior Ministry reassured the public of their safety and confirmed that operations at Qatar Airways remained unaffected.
The attack on Doha represents a crucial turning point in regional dynamics, raising concerns about escalating violence and the future of ceasefire negotiations. As various international players weigh in on the situation, the focus remains on potential implications for peace in the Middle East and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
