The Israeli military reportedly conducted an airstrike targeting high-ranking Hamas leaders in Qatar on Tuesday.
According to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the operation was a “precise strike” carried out by the IDF and ISA [Shin Bet] against senior figures within Hamas.
Initial reports, as cited by chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, identified Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin as the targets. Israeli officials reportedly informed Digital that the U.S. was notified beforehand.
The IDF stated that these Hamas leaders “have led the terrorist organization’s operations for years” and are “directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre” and “orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.” The IDF added that measures were taken to minimize civilian harm, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence.
The IDF also affirmed their commitment to “operate with determination in order to defeat the Hamas terrorist organization responsible for the October 7 massacre.”
In response, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry released a statement, obtained by , condemning “in the strongest terms the cowardly Israeli attack targeting the residential headquarters of several members of the Hamas Political Bureau in the Qatari capital, Doha.”
The spokesperson added, “The Ministry affirms that security agencies, civil defense, and relevant authorities immediately began responding to the incident and taking the necessary measures to contain its consequences and ensure the safety of residents and surrounding areas,” and called the attack “a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents of Qatar.”
Al-Hayya has been involved in discussions regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Following the strikes, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a “shelter-in-place order.”
“We have seen reports of missile strikes occurring in Doha,” the embassy posted on X. “U.S. citizens are advised to shelter-in-place and monitor U.S. Embassy Doha social media for updates.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.