Israel Strikes Hamas Leaders in Doha Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israel conducted an air strike targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, on March 4, 2025. This operation came as part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to confront Hamas amid the protracted conflict in Gaza. The White House characterized the attack as counterproductive to both Israeli and American objectives aimed at stabilizing the region.

The strike drew immediate condemnation from Qatar, which has played a mediating role between Hamas and Israel. A Qatari official described the attack as “cowardly” and a blatant violation of international law, asserting that the United States had been informed of the operation just as it was underway. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt remarked that while eliminating Hamas is a justified goal, the attack in Qatar does not contribute to the broader aims of either Israel or the United States.

Reports indicate that the Israeli military was still assessing the impact of the air strike by Tuesday evening. Arab media suggested that key Hamas figures, including chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, who oversees operations in the West Bank, were present at the meeting targeted in Doha. Hamas has claimed that the strike resulted in the deaths of five of its members, including the son of al-Hayya. The group stated that Israel’s attempt to assassinate its ceasefire negotiation team was unsuccessful.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, asserting that it could pave the way for an “immediate” end to the conflict. He highlighted that Israel has accepted a proposal put forth by former President Donald Trump for ending the war, which includes the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu emphasized the potential for the operation to open a pathway to peace, stating, “This action can open the door to the end of the war in Gaza.”

On the day of the strike, Netanyahu was attending a session of his corruption trial in Tel Aviv when he received a note about a unique opportunity to target Hamas leaders gathering in Doha. He promptly left the courtroom and traveled to the north Tel Aviv headquarters of the Israeli security agency Shin Bet. At that time, ten Israeli aircraft, including fighter jets, intelligence-gathering planes, and drones, were already en route to Doha, approximately 1,800 kilometers away.

The meeting in Doha was reportedly focused on how Hamas should respond to new principles presented by the United States to resolve the ongoing conflict. Despite the attack, Israeli officials indicated that a ceasefire was not imminent, and there were no indications that Hamas intended to release the 48 hostages currently held, including 20 believed to be alive.

As the situation in Gaza City remains dire, relatives of the hostages expressed increasing anxiety regarding the safety of their loved ones. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among those captured, voiced her fears that the strike could have endangered his life. “I am trembling with fear,” she said. “It could be that at this very moment the prime minister has actually assassinated my Matan, sealed his fate. Why does he insist on blowing every chance at a deal? This is my child’s life!”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for the government to clarify whether the attack in Doha had jeopardized the hostages’ lives. He stated, “Hamas members are bound to die, but at this point, the Israeli government needs to explain how the action will not lead to the killing of the hostages.”

As air strikes continue in Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains critical, with over 800,000 residents displaced from their homes. The international community is closely monitoring developments as tensions escalate further in the region.