Israeli operation in Qatar results in death of Hamas Leaders

This afternoon, the Qatari capital, Doha, witnessed a series of powerful explosions in the Katara district, prompting heightened security alert. Reports varied regarding the nature and motivations behind the attack.

Preliminary information reported by Al Arabiya indicated that Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas’s political bureau, was killed in the incident. To date, Qatari authorities have not released any official statements concerning the explosions or their outcomes.

Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 12 quoted officials in Tel Aviv describing the operation as “retaliatory,” targeting Hamas leaders abroad. A senior Israeli official described the explosion in Doha as an assassination attempt against senior figures within the movement.

Later, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the General Security Service (Shin Bet) claimed responsibility for the operation, asserting that it targeted what they described as the "senior leadership of Hamas."

In a statement published on the X platform, the IDF stated that the individuals targeted "led the organization’s activities for years and were directly responsible for executing the October 7, 2023 massacre and launching the war against Israel."

The statement added that “measures were taken prior to the operation to minimize harm to uninvolved individuals, employing precise weaponry and additional intelligence.” The IDF vowed to continue such operations "until Hamas is defeated."

Furthermore, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee declared via X that "the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet precisely targeted Hamas leadership in Doha," emphasizing that "the assassinated leaders bear direct responsibility for the October 7 massacre and managing the war against Israel."

He confirmed that the military "took measures to avoid civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions," and pledged to continue operations aimed at “resolving Hamas.”

ANHA