Doha – A series of powerful explosions shook Qatar’s capital on Tuesday night, after Israel reportedly carried out multiple airstrikes in the Katara neighborhood of Doha, targeting senior Hamas leaders. According to local sources and international media reports, smoke was seen rising across the city following at least six simultaneous blasts. Reuters cited eyewitnesses confirming heavy explosions in Katara, an area known for its cultural and diplomatic significance.
Israeli media claimed that the strikes killed prominent Hamas figures, including Moussa Abu Marzouk, Khaled Meshaal, and Khalil al-Hayya. The attack comes at a critical juncture, as Hamas leadership was engaged in negotiations over a possible ceasefire, reportedly considering terms put forward by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In an official statement, the State of Qatar strongly condemned what it called a “cowardly Israeli attack” that targeted residential buildings housing members of Hamas’s Political Bureau in Doha. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the strike as a criminal assault, a blatant violation of international law, and a serious threat to the safety of Qataris and residents in the country. Dr. Majed Al Ansari, Adviser to the Prime Minister and the Ministry’s official spokesperson, confirmed that security forces, civil defense, and relevant authorities had immediately begun addressing the incident, working to contain its repercussions and ensure the safety of surrounding areas. He stressed that Qatar “will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its security and sovereignty.” Investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced as they become available.
The strikes in Doha mark a dramatic escalation of Israel’s regional campaign. Within the past 24 hours, Israeli forces have also carried out bombings in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Tunisia, while Yemen was targeted only days earlier. Analysts warn that this widening scope of attacks risks igniting a broader regional conflict.
The Doha strikes directly undermine ongoing discussions around a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Negotiations had been underway with international mediators, and Hamas leaders were said to be weighing proposals aimed at halting hostilities. By targeting Hamas leadership in the midst of these talks, Israel appears to have dealt a significant blow to the fragile peace process. The international community has yet to issue a unified response, but regional observers caution that continued escalation could further destabilize the Middle East, derail diplomatic efforts, and deepen humanitarian crises across multiple conflict zones.
