On September 9, 2025, Israel launched a surprise airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior Hamas leaders. The unprecedented attack, named “Operation Summit of Fire,” marks the first time Israel has struck Hamas figures on Qatari soil. Explosions were heard across the capital, with verified footage showing black smoke rising above the West Bay Lagoon district, near a residential complex.
The strike has sent shockwaves through the Middle East and beyond, drawing condemnation from Qatar, European nations, Turkey, and international organizations, while Israel has justified the operation as a necessary move to eliminate what it calls the architects of terrorism.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strike was a “precise operation” carried out with 15 fighter jets and 10 high-precision munitions. The targeted location was a residential complex believed to house senior Hamas negotiators, including Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin. While Israel has not confirmed who was killed or injured, Hamas stated that its negotiators were indeed the intended targets.
The timing of the attack is significant. It came just one day after Hamas negotiators met Qatar’s Prime Minister to discuss the latest U.S.-backed ceasefire framework. The attack effectively disrupted those talks, raising serious questions about Israel’s intentions.
Qatar’s Reaction
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Qatar, a long-time host of Hamas’s political bureau, condemned the strike as “cowardly, reckless, and a blatant violation of international laws and norms.”
Majed al-Ansari, spokesman for Qatar’s foreign ministry, said in a statement:
“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. This assault constitutes a serious threat to Qatar’s sovereignty and security.”
Qatar has demanded an emergency meeting at the United Nations, calling for global condemnation of what it sees as an unprecedented escalation.
U.S. Involvement and Response
Reports indicate that the Trump administration was notified before the operation. However, the White House maintains that the strike was “a wholly independent Israeli operation.”
A senior U.S. official confirmed that Israel shared details in advance, particularly given the proximity of Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military facility in the region. While Washington has avoided openly criticizing Israel, Qatari officials insist the attack undermines U.S.-Qatar cooperation on peace negotiations.
Deputy Chief of Mission at the Qatari Embassy in Washington, Hamad Al-Muftah, said:
“This strike directly undermines ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal. It is unacceptable for a sovereign state, a U.S. ally hosting thousands of American troops, to be attacked without global accountability.”
Israel’s Justification
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike, framing it as part of Israel’s broader strategy against Hamas. Speaking at a U.S. Embassy event, he said:
“The days when the heads of terror enjoyed immunity anywhere are over. I will not allow such immunity for the murderers of our people.”
Netanyahu also argued that the operation could “open the door to an end of the war in Gaza,” citing Israel’s acceptance of a new U.S. ceasefire proposal. According to Israeli officials, the plan involves the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza, followed by negotiations on a permanent ceasefire.
Defense Minister Israel Katz added that the attack was partly motivated by the Jerusalem mass shooting that took place the day before, saying:
“Targeting Hamas leadership was fully justified, as these are the individuals who orchestrated the October 7 massacre and continue to launch murderous attacks on Israeli citizens.”
Hamas Response
While Hamas has not issued a full statement, a senior official confirmed that its negotiators were targeted in Doha. The attack, they argue, was aimed at sabotaging peace talks and delaying progress on a hostage release agreement.
Hamas has previously engaged in indirect negotiations with Israel through Qatari mediation. The group had recently expressed openness to U.S. proposals for a truce. Now, those efforts appear in jeopardy.
Global Reaction
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European Leaders
United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the strike, warning it risks “further escalation in the region.”
Spain: Strongly condemned the attack, calling it a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.
France: President Emmanuel Macron labeled the attack “unacceptable” and expressed solidarity with Qatar.
Ireland: Prime Minister Micheál Martin voiced deep concern, warning it could destabilize the region.
The Vatican: Pope Leo XIV described the attack as “a very serious situation.”
Turkey
Turkey’s foreign ministry accused Israel of seeking the “continuation of war, not peace.” It also claimed the strike was proof of Israel’s “expansionist policies.”
The United Nations
Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.” He urged restraint and emphasized the importance of ongoing ceasefire efforts.
Impact on Hostage Families
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel expressed “deep concern and heavy anxiety” over the Doha strike. Families fear the operation may provoke Hamas into retaliating against the 48 remaining hostages.
One family member, Ilay David, whose brother is among the hostages, told CNN:
“I believe that taking military action on Hamas leaders can wait. Right now, what we need to be focused on is saving the hostages.”
Ceasefire Negotiation Setbacks
Since the October 7, 2023 attacks, Israel and Hamas have engaged in three ceasefire deals, but each has broken down. The longest lasted only eight weeks in early 2025, with temporary exchanges of hostages and prisoners.
The latest U.S. proposal, presented just days before the Doha strike, was considered the most promising yet. Hamas negotiators were reviewing the terms when the attack occurred, raising doubts about whether the group will continue engaging in talks.
Why Qatar Matters
Qatar has played a central role as a mediator between Israel, Hamas, and the U.S. since 2012. Its hosting of Hamas’s political bureau has allowed for indirect negotiations that led to past ceasefires and hostage releases.
The strike now threatens Qatar’s neutral mediator status and could force it to reconsider its role. Analysts warn that undermining Qatar could stall peace efforts indefinitely.
What Comes Next?
The Israeli operation has reshaped the dynamics of the ongoing war. While Netanyahu insists the strike could pave the way for peace, others argue it has made a ceasefire less likely. Qatar is pressing for international condemnation, while Hamas is weighing its next move.
For now, the region stands at a crossroads. Will this escalation push both sides toward a settlement—or drive the conflict into an even deeper spiral of violence?
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Final Thoughts
The Doha strike is not just a military operation—it’s a geopolitical earthquake. It has raised questions about sovereignty, peace negotiations, and the balance of power in the Middle East. As international condemnation grows, Israel stands firm on its justification, while Qatar and Hamas call it a blatant violation of law and diplomacy.
The world now waits to see whether this marks the beginning of peace or the widening of war.