A major escalation unfolded on Tuesday as Israel confirmed it had carried out airstrikes in Qatar’s capital, Doha, under Operation Summit of Fire to target senior Hamas leaders. The strikes triggered loud explosions and black smoke across parts of the city, though details of casualties remain unclear.
IDF Confirms Precision Strikes
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) said the operation was aimed at Hamas’s senior leadership.
“For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have orchestrated terrorist operations, including the October 7, 2023 massacre, and continue to manage the war against Israel,” the statement read.
An Israeli military official told AFP that the strikes specifically targeted Hamas figures based in Doha. The move follows IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir’s recent pledge to eliminate Hamas leaders abroad.
Qatar Condemns ‘Cowardly Attack’
Qatar, which has long hosted Hamas’s political bureau and mediated talks between the group and Israel, strongly condemned the attack.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari described it as a “cowardly Israeli attack” and a “flagrant violation of international laws and norms.” He warned the strike endangered the security of Qataris and foreign residents.
Qatar said investigations were underway and vowed it would not tolerate any act undermining its sovereignty.
Possible Impact on Ceasefire Talks
The strike risks derailing ongoing negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 assault. Analysts say the attack could complicate Qatar’s mediator role and escalate regional tensions.
Israeli Leadership Responds
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hailed the attack, declaring that “terrorists have no immunity anywhere in the world.” He called the operation a “right decision and perfect execution” by the IDF and security agencies.
Meanwhile, a White House official confirmed that Israel had informed Washington of the planned strikes in advance, according to AFP.
The development marks a new and volatile chapter in the conflict, expanding Israel’s operations beyond Gaza and into foreign territory where Hamas leaders are based.
