Israel Strikes Hamas Leaders in Qatar Capital

The Israeli military said it carried out strikes targeting senior Hamas leaders on Tuesday, following reports of explosions in Doha, where the Palestinian group's political bureau is based.

“The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike against the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation,” the military said, without specifying the exact location.

An eyewitness in Doha reported explosions at a Hamas compound in the city.

“For years, these Hamas leaders have directed the group’s operations, orchestrated the October 7, 2023 attacks, and managed the war against Israel,” the military added.

The strikes come less than two weeks after armed forces chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir vowed to target the group’s leaders abroad. “Most of Hamas’s leadership is abroad, and we will reach them as well,” Zamir said on August 31.

Culture Minister Miki Zohar posted on X: “May all your enemies perish, Israel.”

Hamas and Israel have engaged in multiple indirect ceasefire talks brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States throughout the nearly two-year Gaza war. Despite temporary truces, no lasting peace has been reached.

Hamas stated on Sunday it was ready to “immediately sit at the negotiating table” after receiving proposals from the US aimed at a ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump warned Hamas to accept a deal for the release of hostages seized during the October 2023 attacks that triggered the war.