Qatar responds to Israeli Airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha

Doha neighbourhood hit by Israeli attack hit killing six people on Tuesday. AP Photo_11zon

On Wednesday, Qatari security forces secured the area around a building in Doha that was struck by Israeli airstrikes a day earlier. The attack targeted senior Hamas leaders who had gathered to discuss a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

The strike killed at least six people, including a Qatari security official, in a neighborhood that houses foreign embassies and schools. The attack, launched on the territory of a U.S. ally, sparked widespread international condemnation and threatened to derail ongoing peace talks and hostage negotiations with Hamas.

Netanyahu Defends Strike, Warns Qatar

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike, warning Qatar and other countries that harbor militants:

“Either expel terrorists or bring them to justice. If not — we will.”

Qatar rejected Netanyahu’s remarks, emphasizing that hosting Hamas leaders is part of ongoing mediation efforts that have led to ceasefires and hostage releases, coordinated with both the U.S. and Israel.

Details of the Attack

An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, said around 10 aircraft dropped approximately 10 missiles in the strike. According to Israel, the timing was based on an “operational opportunity,” as several Hamas leaders were gathered in a specific location deemed low-risk for Qatari civilians.

Although the building remained mostly intact, one room appeared to be the main target, with walls collapsed and debris scattered. Satellite imagery showed damage to surrounding structures, though no widespread destruction.

Qatar Blames Israel for Regional Instability

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, condemned Netanyahu’s actions as "barbaric," saying they pushed the region toward “irreparable instability” and violated international law.

Hamas Confirms Casualties but Claims Top Leaders Survived

Hamas reported that five lower-ranking members were killed, including the son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, three bodyguards, and al-Hayya’s office head. The group claimed its top leaders survived, though it provided no evidence.

Strike Evaded Qatari Air Defenses

Qatar, which has advanced air defense systems like Patriot and THAAD batteries, did not engage during the strike. Officials suggested that Israel used stand-off missiles launched from outside Qatari airspace, making them undetectable by radar.

The U.S. said it had warned Qatar in advance, but Qatar disputes this, saying the American message only came 10 minutes after the attack.

Geopolitical Fallout: Ceasefire Talks in Jeopardy

According to the Soufan Center, a U.S. think tank, the Israeli strike has serious strategic consequences.

By hitting a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state, Israel risks damaging the Abraham Accords and weakening its relationships with Arab partners.

The analysis warned that the strike could discourage future neutral mediators like Qatar from engaging in conflict resolution.

Regional Leaders Rally Behind Qatar

In a show of solidarity, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Qatar on Wednesday, reflecting rising unease among Gulf states. The UAE had already warned Israel that any attempt to annex the West Bank would cross a "red line" and jeopardize diplomatic agreements.

Qatar’s ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, hosted Sheikh Mohammed and also received visits from the crown princes of Kuwait and Jordan.

Qatari Leader Holds Global Talks

Following the strike, Sheikh Tamim held calls with several world leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Qatar’s state news agency, Tamim blamed Israel for the consequences of the attack, accusing it of adopting policies that threaten regional stability and hinder peace efforts. - Agency