DailySun
Doha – Israel has admitted to conducting a military strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, which took place while they were deliberating a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, 9 September 2025, reports of explosions surfaced, with smoke seen rising over Doha, Qatar.
Israel has confirmed it took responsibility for the strike aimed at high-ranking Hamas officials in the capital during ongoing negotiations.
This operation marks an unprecedented action against Qatar, a key mediator in the Gaza conflict and the only direct connection between the U.S., Israel, and Hamas.
Hamas reported that six individuals were killed in the Israeli assault but noted that the negotiating team remained safe.
The sixth victim was identified as Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi, a member of Qatar’s internal security forces.
This incident poses a significant threat to the region and raises serious concerns that could impact all peace initiatives in the Middle East.
Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, stated that “the cowardly Israeli attack” targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Hamas political bureau in Doha.
“While we sharply condemn this attack, the State of Qatar emphasizes that it will not tolerate this reckless and irresponsible conduct from Israel,” Al Ansari expressed on X.
The White House was alerted about the strike, as confirmed by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press conference.
Leavitt mentioned that Qatar is a “close ally” of the United States and that President Trump feels “very badly” about the attack’s location.
Qatar is one of the U.S.’s closest allies in the Middle East and hosts the largest American military base in the region.
Furthermore, Qatar denied receiving prior notice from the U.S. regarding the strike, asserting that the notification came after the explosions were heard.
“The call from an American official arrived as explosions erupted from the Israeli attack in Doha,” Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari posted on X.
In a formal statement, Qatar condemned the “cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings with several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the capital, Doha.”
The statement further stressed: “This criminal assault represents a blatant violation of all international laws and norms and poses a severe threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar confirmed that security forces, civil defense, and relevant authorities acted promptly to manage the incident and mitigate its effects, ensuring the safety of residents and surrounding areas.
“While the State of Qatar strongly condemns this assault, it insists that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that jeopardizes its security and sovereignty,” the statement continued.
“Investigations are currently underway at the highest level, and further information will be disclosed as it becomes available.”
The situation remains highly concerning; however, Qatar will continue its mediation efforts and asserts its right to respond to Israel.
