The Israel Defence Forces confirmed attacking Hamas leaders in Doha on Tuesday after explosions were reported in the Qatari capital. The statement did not mention Qatar by name, but members of Hamas’ leadership live in Doha.
“The IDF and Shin Bet, through the Air Force, recently carried out a targeted attack on the top leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation,” the IDF said in a statement.”
🇶🇦 Footage from the moment when the Israeli Air Force launched an air strike at the Hamas HQ in #Dohar, #Quatar.
🇮🇱 Media: The attack was carried out by the air force, #Israel had previously informed the United States about the attack on Doha. pic.twitter.com/CprM4yFtWv
— Pisklauren (@pisklauren) September 9, 2025
“The members of the leadership who were attacked led the terrorist organisation’s activities for years, and are directly responsible for carrying out the October 7 massacre and waging the war against the State of Israel. Prior to the attack, steps were taken to minimise harm to uninvolved people, including the use of precision weapons and additional intelligence information,” the army said.
“The IDF and Shin Bet will continue to act with determination to defeat the Hamas terrorist organization responsible for the October 7 massacre,” “the IDF added.
Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 48 remaining hostages, about 20 are believed to be alive.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) also released a statement confirming the strike on senior Hamas leaders.
“The IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation. For years, these members have led the group’s operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating the war against the State of Israel,” the statement said.
The IDF claimed that precautionary measures were taken to minimise civilian casualties. “Prior to the strike, measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence,” it added.
Furthermore, Hamas also acknowledged the killing of five members in the Doha strike but alleged that Israel had failed to assassinate its ceasefire negotiation team, The Times of Israel reported.
According to the Times of Israel, Hamas said that those killed included Himam al-Hayya, son of senior Hamas leader in Gaza Khalil al-Hayya, as well as Jihad Labad Abu Bilal, office director of Khalil al-Hayya. Three others, Abdullah Abu Khalil, Muaman Abu Omar, and Ahmad Abu Malek, were described as bodyguards or advisers to senior officials.
Hamas also added that the attack occurred while its delegation was discussing an American ceasefire proposal, accusing Israel of undermining talks.
The attack on the delegation while it was discussing the American ceasefire proposal proves that Netanyahu and his government are not interested in reaching any agreement,” Hamas said, according to the Times of Israel. (With inputs from ANI)
