Israel launched a major attack on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, an operation that an Israeli news channel reported was “greenlit” by President Donald Trump. The strikes, which caused several large explosions in the Qatari capital, occurred as Hamas officials were gathered to discuss a ceasefire proposal put forward by Trump’s own envoy.
According to a White House official, Israel had informed the United States about its intentions to strike the Hamas leadership in Qatar prior to the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to confirm his nation’s role unequivocally, posting on social media: “Israel initiated it, Israel carried it out and Israel takes full responsibility.” This direct claim of responsibility, coupled with reports of Trump’s approval, highlights a coordinated strategy.
The targeted officials, including reported figures like Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, were part of a Hamas delegation expressly in Doha to deliberate on Trump’s peace plan. The proposal called for a negotiated end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza upon the release of hostages. Just days before the strike, Trump had issued what he termed a “last warning” to Hamas regarding the ceasefire.
The attack has thrown the entire peace process into chaos. Qatar, the host nation for the talks and Hamas’s political base, vehemently condemned the strike. Its foreign ministry decried the attack as a brazen violation of international law, further complicating a volatile situation in a region already tense from recent conflicts.