Israel carried out an unprecedented attack in Qatar on Tuesday, targeting Hamas leadership in what could threaten peace talks and heighten tensions across the region.
Qatari officials confirmed the strike hit residential buildings in Doha housing members of Hamas’ political bureau. Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, called it “the cowardly Israeli attack” and said the state “will not tolerate this reckless and irresponsible Israeli behavior.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, saying it marked an end to the era of safe havens for Hamas leaders. “The days when the heads of terror enjoyed immunity anywhere are over,” Netanyahu said at a US embassy event in Jerusalem. He added that Israel had accepted a new US ceasefire proposal and suggested the strike could bring the war in Gaza closer to an end.
An Israeli security official, speaking anonymously, said the strike “could potentially generate a shift” in the conflict but admitted it remained unclear how targeting Hamas’ chief negotiator would lead to progress in peace efforts.
Qatar has been central in mediating ceasefire negotiations, maintaining communication with Israel, Hamas, and the United States. Senior Israeli officials, including the head of Mossad, have traveled to Doha for talks in recent months. The future of these visits is now uncertain after the attack.
The strike drew strong international reactions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, noting Qatar’s “very positive role” in efforts to achieve a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. A senior Hamas official confirmed to CNN that the group’s negotiators were targeted, though Hamas has not yet issued an official statement.
Families of Israeli hostages expressed alarm at the developments. Einav Zangauker, whose son is held in Gaza, said the strike endangered captives’ lives. “It could be that at this very moment, the prime minister has essentially executed my Matan, sentenced him to death,” she wrote on X. “Why is he insisting on blowing up every chance for a deal?”
The Israeli government stressed that the operation, dubbed “Summit of Fire,” was planned independently. “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement, underscoring that the action was not a joint move with the US.
Two US officials confirmed to CNN that Washington had been notified ahead of the strike, but the Israeli government appeared intent on distancing the United States from the operation. Qatar, however, is a major American ally in the Middle East and hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military facility in the region.
The strike adds uncertainty to both ongoing ceasefire negotiations and the broader regional balance, as Qatar’s role as mediator and ally comes under new strain.
