Israel Strikes Hamas Leaders in Doha, US Calls Attack Misguided

Israel conducted an air strike against prominent Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, on March 4, 2025. The operation has drawn criticism from the United States, which remarked that the attack did not contribute to either Israeli or American efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The White House described the strike as a misstep, particularly given Qatar’s role as a mediator in the conflict.

According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, “eliminating Hamas, which has enriched itself on the suffering of Gaza residents, is a worthy goal.” However, she emphasized that bombing within Qatar, an ally of the US, “does not advance Israel’s or America’s goals.” Reports indicate that the US military received notification of Israel’s plans just before the operation began.

Initial assessments indicate that the airstrike resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s chief negotiator. The attack targeted a meeting where senior Hamas leaders, including Zaher Jabarin, who oversees operations in the West Bank, were discussing responses to recent US proposals for ending the 23-month conflict in Gaza. Hamas has claimed that the US shares responsibility for the attack, which they label as a failure in Israel’s attempt to eliminate the group’s negotiation team.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, describing it as a “surgical, precision” strike aimed at Hamas leadership. He asserted that such actions could potentially lead to an “immediate” end to the conflict in Gaza. “This action can open the door to the end of the war in Gaza,” he stated, adding that Israel is prepared to accept a proposal from former US President Donald Trump aimed at concluding hostilities, contingent on the release of all hostages.

On the day of the strike, Netanyahu was attending a session of his ongoing corruption trial when he received a note detailing a unique opportunity to target the Hamas leadership gathering in Doha. He quickly left the courtroom to convene with the Israel Security Agency, Shin Bet. By the time of the strike, ten Israeli aircraft were en route to Doha, including fighter jets and drones.

While Israel’s military operations continue in Gaza City, concerns grow for the 48 hostages held by Hamas, with 20 believed to be alive. Relatives of the captives expressed anxiety over the potential consequences of the air strike. Einav Zangauker, whose son is among the hostages, voiced her fears, stating, “I am trembling with fear. It could be that at this very moment the prime minister has actually assassinated my Matan.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for the government to clarify how the attack in Doha will not jeopardize the hostages’ lives. He highlighted the need for transparency regarding whether the potential risks to the captives were considered in the decision-making process.

As the situation unfolds, Israel remains steadfast in its military strategy, while the ramifications of the airstrike in Doha are yet to be fully realized. The international community continues to watch closely as both sides grapple with the complexities of an enduring conflict that shows no signs of resolution.