'Israel' targets Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday in response to ‘Israel's’ strikes targeting Hamas officials in Qatar, diplomatic sources told AFP.

The meeting, scheduled for 3:00 PM in New York (1900 GMT), was requested by Algeria and Pakistan, among others, the sources said Tuesday.

Donald Trump had his envoy notify Qatar of an impending attack by ‘Israel’, the White House says, adding that the US president then spoke with the leaders of both countries after the strikes.

"The president directed his Special Envoy Witkoff to immediately call the Qataris," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tells reporters during a briefing. Qatar has denied receiving advance warning from the United States, saying the notification came after the attack had already started.

US President Donald Trump denied any role Tuesday in ‘Israel's’ strikes on Qatar, saying the decision to launch the attacks was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's and not his.

"This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform, adding that he wants the Gaza war to "END, NOW!"

“This morning, the Trump Administration was notified by the United States Military that Israel was attacking Hamas which, very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the Capital of Qatar,” Trump said in his post, without revealing details of how the US military knew of the strike.

The strike “does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” Trump said. “However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.”

Trump adds he directed US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatar of the attack. However, it was “unfortunately too late to stop the attack,” according to his statement on Truth Social.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister today, Tuesday, condemned what he called a "treacherous Israeli attack" on Doha as an act of "state terrorism” – after a strike was carried out by ‘Israeli’ on a site in Doha where senior Hamas leaders gathered.

Details of the Attack and Legal Action

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Thani said that authorities have immediately begun handling the incident and have identified the casualties, and that Qatar “reserves the right” to respond to ‘Israel’ after the attack.

"We will not be lenient on our sovereignty and will deal firmly with any security breach," he said.

Al Thani added that a legal team has been formed to take action in response to the attack. He also revealed that the United States had notified Qatar of the attack ten minutes after it occurred.

Netanyahu and “Sabotaging Peace Efforts”

Qatar blasted ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he called "rogue" and accused of "practicing state terrorism" and leading the region to an "irreparable level."

He also claimed the attack was a message to the region that there is a "rogue player" engaged in "political arrogance."

He stated that negotiations for a ceasefire were "underway at the request of the American side" but that ‘Israel’ has "worked to sabotage every attempt to achieve peace."

The Prime Minister said that the international community, laws, and norms must "take this incident into consideration" and that a "unified response to Netanyahu's barbarism" is needed.

Al Thani said that mediated negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza are not currently ongoing, adding that the ‘Israeli’ military used weapons that were “undetectable by radars.”

The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) denied Tuesday that ‘Israeli’ jets used Jordanian airspace to carry out their strike on the Qatari capital Doha.

The claims were circulated by “suspicious” social media accounts and are a “fabrication,” the statement by the JAF said.

The army urged to not share "fabricated news and misleading rumors," adding that information must be obtained from official sources.

Qatar denied receiving advance warning from the United States of ‘Israeli’ strikes on Doha on Tuesday, saying the notification came after the attack had already started.

"Statements circulating about Qatar being informed of the attack in advance are false. 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.

Germany condemned ‘Israel's’ air strikes on Doha Tuesday targeting Hamas political leaders, calling them "unacceptable".

"Israel's attack on Doha not only violates Qatar's territorial sovereignty, but also jeopardises all of our efforts to secure the release of the hostages. This attack is unacceptable," Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump “feels very badly” about the location of the ‘Israeli’ attack on the Hamas leadership in the Qatari Capital Doha, the White House said Tuesday.

The attack “does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” the White House added.

Trump also spoke to ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar's Emir Tamim Al Thani, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt added.

Leavitt added that the United States notified Qatar of the incoming 'Israeli' strike. 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned ‘Israel's’ air strikes on Doha Tuesday targeting Hamas political leaders, saying the attack violated Qatar's sovereignty and risked "further escalation" in the volatile region.

"I condemn Israel's strikes on Doha... The priority must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a huge surge in aid into Gaza," he posted on X. "This is the only solution towards long-lasting peace."

Qatar's interior ministry said a member of its internal security forces was killed in the ‘Israeli’ strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha on Tuesday.

"According to preliminary information, the attack resulted in the martyrdom of Corporal Bader Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi al-Dosari, a member of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya)," a statement said, adding that other security personnel were also wounded.

The ‘Israeli’ military said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Tuesday air raid sirens were activated in Jerusalem.

"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, the IAF (Israeli air force) intercepted a missile that was launched from Yemen," a military statement said.

Hamas said Tuesday that an ‘Israeli’ assassination attempt on its negotiating delegation in Doha, Qatar, was unsuccessful.

Casualties of the Attack

While the delegation's leadership was unharmed, the strike killed several people, according to the Hamas statement. They were identified as:

• Jihad Labad (Abu Bilal) – Office Director for Dr. Khalil al-Hayya
• Hamam al-Hayya (Abu Yahya) – Son of Dr. Khalil al-Hayya
• Abdullah Abdel Wahed (Abu Khalil) – Escort
• Momen Hassouneh (Abu Omar) – Escort
• Ahmed al-Mamlouk (Abu Malek) – Escort

The statement also mourned the death of Corporal Bader Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi, a member of Qatar's internal security forces.

Attack Occurred During Talks on US Proposal

Hamas said that the attack, which took place as the delegation was discussing US President Donald Trump's latest proposal for a Gaza ceasefire, confirms that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government do not want an agreement.

The group accused the ‘Israeli’ government of "deliberately seeking to thwart all opportunities and sabotage international efforts," without regard for the lives of ‘Israeli’ captives or regional security.

Hamas held the US administration jointly responsible for the attack, citing its "constant support" for what it called ‘Israel's’ aggression and crimes.

Hamas Demands 

The group's statement concluded by reiterating its demands for a ceasefire and its commitment to what it called the "path of resistance." Hamas's demands include:

• An immediate end to the aggression and a full withdrawal of the ‘Israeli’ army from Gaza.
• A "real" prisoner exchange.
• Humanitarian relief and reconstruction.

Jordanian, regional, and international leaders have strongly condemned Tuesday’s ‘Israeli’ strike on the Qatari capital Doha, which targeted residential buildings housing members of Hamas's political bureau.

Jordan’s Response
King Abdullah II of Jordan, in a phone call with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasized that Qatar’s security is integral to Jordan’s security and reaffirmed Jordan’s firm stance against any action undermining Qatar’s stability or sovereignty.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi described the assault as a cowardly act of aggression, a blatant breach of international law, and a serious threat to the security of Qatari citizens and residents.

“Our security is one, and we stand fully with our brothers in Qatar, in absolute solidarity with any steps they take to protect their security, stability, and sovereignty,” Safadi said. He also called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take firm action against ongoing ‘Israeli’ violations that threaten regional and global peace.

Arab Solidarity
Saudi Arabia also condemned the strike, describing it as a “brazen Israeli attack” on Qatari territory. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke directly with Emir Sheikh Tamim, calling the strike a “criminal act” and affirming Riyadh’s full support for Qatar. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to condemn the attack and halt ongoing ‘Israeli’ violations that threaten regional stability.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the air strikes, warning that they threaten regional security and stability. His office said the attacks constitute a “blatant violation of international law and an escalation that threatens regional security and stability.”

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari also denounced the strike as “cowardly,” targeting residential buildings of Hamas political bureau members.

The United Arab Emirates conveyed the Foreign Minister’s “strongest condemnation” of the attack, emphasizing a firm rejection of any violation of state sovereignty.

Egypt issued a statement strongly denouncing and condemning the aggression against Qatar.

International Reactions
On the international stage, French President Emmanuel Macron called the strikes “unacceptable regardless of motive,” emphasizing that the war must not spread in the region.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty, noting that Qatar has played a positive role in seeking a ceasefire and the release of captives.

Iran described the attack as a “serious and criminal act,” affirming that it represents a blatant violation of international laws and norms.

Turkey condemned the strike targeting the Hamas negotiating delegation in Doha, holding 'Israel' responsible for the escalation. 

His Majesty King Abdullah II and Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, during a phone call on Tuesday, stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of Arab states.

The two leaders expressed their condemnation of Israel’s attack on Qatar, and reaffirmed Jordan and Egypt's stance against any violation that threatens their countries’ security and stability.

His Majesty stressed the need to step up Arab efforts to mobilise the international community into putting a stop to Israeli violations.

His Majesty King Abdullah II on Tuesday stressed the need to intensify Arab efforts to mobilise an effective international stance to halt Israeli violations of Arab states' sovereignty, which undermine the security and stability of the region.

In a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the prime minister of Saudi Arabia, His Majesty reiterated his condemnation of the brutal Israeli attack on Qatar, stressing the need to abide by international law.

A US official confirmed that the Trump administration was alerted only as 'Israel’s' airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha began, leaving Washington no opportunity to intervene or provide input.

The strike targeted senior Hamas figures meeting in Qatar to discuss a US-proposed Gaza ceasefire and prisoner deal. 'Israeli' officials described the operation as a precision attack against those responsible for the October 7 attacks.

Qatar condemned the strike as “reckless” and “cowardly,” noting that it targeted residential buildings housing members of Hamas’s Political Bureau and violated international law. Local authorities immediately implemented emergency measures, and high-level investigations are underway.

‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “days when terrorist leaders can enjoy immunity anywhere are over” in statements after an ‘Israeli’ strike targeted a site in Doha where senior Hamas leaders were present.

In statements during a speech at a US Embassy Independence Day event in Jerusalem, which was postponed due to the war with Iran, Netanyahu said: “Our enemies need to know one thing: since the establishment of the State of Israel, Jewish blood is not cheap. The strike in Qatar was carried out optimally and precisely”.

“The war in Gaza can end immediately, because we have already taken action,” Netanyahu added.

"We accepted the principles set by President Trump to end the war, which include: immediate release of all our hostages and the other principles for ending the war that Israel has established."

Hamas official Suhail al-Hindi told al-Jazeera that the Hamas leadership survived the “cowardly assassination attempt” after an ‘Israeli’ attack targeted a Hamas meeting in Doha.

Al-Hindi, a member of Hamas' political bureau, said the attack killed a group of people, including Jihad Labad and Hamam Khalil al-Hayya, son of senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya.

Jihad Labad is Khalil al-Hayya’s office director

The strike at Doha hit the Hamas negotiation team as it was discussing the newest American proposal put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to al-Hindi.

The main ‘Israeli’ group campaigning for the release of captives held in Gaza expressed "deep concern" following an ‘Israeli’ attack on Tuesday on Hamas's leadership in Qatar, which has been mediating ceasefire talks.

"The families of the hostages are following the developments in Doha with deep concern and heavy anxiety. A grave fear now hangs over the price that the hostages may pay," a statement from the “Hostages and Missing Families Forum” said.

"The chance of bringing them back now faces greater uncertainty than ever before," it added.

In a decisive show of Gulf solidarity, Saudi Arabia made a high-level phone call to Qatar on Tuesday following what Riyadh described as a “brazen Israeli attack” on Qatari territory.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke directly with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, condemning the strike as a “criminal act” and affirming Saudi Arabia’s full and unconditional support for Qatar in the wake of the incident.

Read more: King affirms Qatar’s security integral to Jordan’s in call with Emir Tamim

Full Support and Assistance

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Crown Prince emphasized:

• Complete condemnation of the 'Israeli' attack, calling it a “criminal act and a blatant violation of international law.”
• Saudi Arabia’s unwavering solidarity with Qatar during this critical moment.
• The kingdom’s readiness to provide all possible assistance to Qatar and support measures taken to protect its sovereignty and security.

This stance sends a strong message of unprecedented support, underscoring the deep fraternal ties between the two nations and their commitment to regional stability.

Read more: Qatar condemns 'Israeli' strike on Hamas offices in Doha

Call for International Action

On the diplomatic front, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an urgent statement urging the international community to take responsibility, condemning the attack, and calling for an immediate halt to ongoing 'Israeli' violations that threaten regional stability.

These developments mark a serious escalation in the region, testing diplomatic relations amid continued 'Israeli' aggression.

Five people were reportedly killed in the ‘Israeli’ strike on the Qatari capital Doha, including the son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, according to media reports.

The information has not yet been confirmed.

Journalistic sources named the dead as Jihad Labad, chief of staff to Khalil al-Hayya; Hammam al-Hayya, son of Khalil al-Hayya; Abdullah Abdel Wahid, an aide; Moamen Hassouna, an aide; and Ahmad Abdel Malek, an aide.

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas condemned ‘Israeli’ air strikes on Doha targeting leaders of Hamas on Tuesday, warning they threatened regional security and stability.

"His excellency stated that the brutal Israeli attack on Qatar constitutes a blatant violation of international law and an escalation that threatens regional security and stability," Abbas's office said in a statement reported by the official Palestinian news agency (WAFA).

‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes targeting Hamas leaders in Doha on Tuesday, following a deadly shooting operation in Jerusalem a day earlier claimed by Hamas.

"Yesterday, following the deadly attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed all security agencies to prepare for the possibility of targeting Hamas leaders," said a joint statement from Netanyahu and Defence Minister ‘Israel’ Katz.

"Today at noon, in light of an operational opportunity... the prime minister and the defence minister decided to implement the directive given last night."

'Israeli' military disclosed new details on Tuesday regarding its operation targeting Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar.

The army revealed that around 15 fighter jets were involved in the strike, which required mid-air refueling and involved a highly coordinated assault.

Read more: VIDEO: Hamas leaders targeted in explosion in Doha, 'Israeli' army confirmed

According to the 'Israeli' army radio, more than 10 missiles were fired at a single target in rapid succession to ensure total destruction and eliminate any chance of survival.

The operation, described as a long-range mission, involved aircraft flying from distant bases, highlighting the extensive logistical and military planning behind the strike.

Read more: “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility”: "Israeli' PM

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement accused 'Israel' on Tuesday of carrying out a “criminal” attack on a meeting of Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital, Doha.

In an urgent statement, the group also held US President Donald Trump’s administration responsible for what it described as the “unleashing” of the Israeli Occupation.

The movement condemned the strike as “a criminal act par excellence that violates all human values and norms, as well as the most basic international laws and customs.” It added that the attack took place “without any consideration, even though Doha was hosting a delegation of the occupying entity for negotiations.”

The PIJ described the targeting as further evidence that 'Israel' “insists on continuing the bloodshed in an open genocide against the Palestinian people,” calling it “a serious development that should not be tolerated.”

The statement directly accused the Trump administration of complicity in the escalation. “We hold President Trump’s administration responsible for the occupation’s total recklessness, especially since the Zionist aggression followed what the White House described as the Trump proposal,” the group said.

The 'Israeli' Prime Minister’s Office confirmed Tuesday that the strike targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, was a wholly independent Israeli operation.

Prime Minister's Office:

Today's action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation.

Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 9, 2025

In a statement, the office said: “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.” The announcement underscores Israel’s role in the precision strike, which targeted the top leadership of Hamas.

'Israeli' Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich tweeted praise for the recent strike targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, calling it a “correct decision” with “perfect execution” by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and Shin Bet.

In his post, Smotrich wrote: “Terrorists have no and will have no immunity from the long arm of Israel anywhere in the world. A correct decision we made and perfect execution by the IDF and Shin Bet. Thanks to everyone and to the Holy One, blessed be He, who gives us the strength to do great things.”

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and Israeli Security Agency (ISA) announced a precise strike targeting senior Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar.

In a statement, the IOF and ISA said the targeted individuals have long led Hamas operations, were directly responsible for the October 7 attacks, and have been orchestrating and managing ongoing hostilities against 'Israel'.

“Prior to the strike, measures were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence,” the statement added.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday strongly condemned the 'Israeli' assault on the State of Qatar, describing it as a cowardly act of aggression, a blatant breach of international law, and a serious threat to the security of the Qatari people and residents in the country.

In an official statement, Safadi said the attack reflects 'Israel’s' ongoing “brutal aggressiveness” that endangers regional security and stability. 

“Our security is one, and we stand fully with our brothers in Qatar, in absolute solidarity with any steps they take to protect their security, stability, and sovereignty,” he said.

Safadi added that 'Israel’s' continued aggression and violations of international law pose a threat to both regional and global peace and security, urging the international community - particularly the UN Security Council - to take firm action to stop these violations and ongoing threats.

A Hamas leadership delegation, headed by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, reportedly survived an 'Israeli' strike in Doha, a source within the group told News outlets.

The strike was announced by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and 'Israeli' Security Agency (ISA) announced a precision operation targeting senior Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital.

The IOF and ISA described the operation as a “retaliation” against Hamas leadership, citing their role in orchestrating attacks against 'Israel', including the October 7th.

Qatar on Tuesday condemned what it described as a "cowardly" 'Israeli' strike targeting residential buildings housing members of Palestinian group Hamas's political bureau.

"The State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha," Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said in a post on X.

The announcement comes after the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and 'Israeli' Security Agency (ISA) reported conducting a precise strike against senior Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, citing their alleged involvement in orchestrating attacks against 'Israel'.

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and Israeli Security Agency (ISA) announced a precise strike targeting senior Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar.

In a statement, the IOF and ISA said the targeted individuals have long led Hamas operations, were directly responsible for the October 7 attacks, and have been orchestrating and managing ongoing hostilities against 'Israel'.

“Prior to the strike, measures were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence,” the statement added.

The blast occurred in the Katara district of Doha and is believed to have been an assassination operation aimed at Hamas’s leadership and headquarters.

A senior 'Israeli' official described the operation as a “retaliation” against Hamas leadership.

According to N12, an 'Israeli' delegation is currently in Qatar to discuss the matter. Officials noted that after initial uncertainty, it became clear the operation targeted Hamas’s top leadership and headquarters.

According to 'Israeli' media, the operation was directed from the ISA (Shin Bet) operations room in central 'Israel', with intelligence guidance provided by the agency and execution carried out by the 'Israeli' Air Force.

Present in the operations room during the strike were the Prime Minister, the Defense Minister, acting Shin Bet chief, acting deputy Shin Bet chief, and the head of military intelligence.

The operation was reportedly conducted by the ISA’s counter-terrorism division responsible for thwarting threats from Palestinian targets abroad, along with its operational unit.

Several blasts were heard in Qatar's Doha on Tuesday, Reuters witnesses said.

Smoke was seen rising over the Katara District in the capital, an eyewitness said.