Israeli Air Force Targets Hamas Leaders in Doha

On Tuesday, the Israeli Air Force carried out a strike in Doha, the capital of Qatar, aiming at a building believed to be housing prominent Hamas leaders. An Israeli official mentioned that they targeted figures like Khalil Al Haiyah and Zaher Aljaverin, and they were awaiting the results of this operation.

According to the Qatari outlet, Al Arabi, this building reportedly served as an official Hamas Bureau. Reports indicate that Khalil Al-Hayya was present at that location.

Saudi news source Al Arabia stated that Al Hayya was killed in the strike, though several outlets shared conflicting reports about the presence of Hamas leaders at the time of the attack.

In a contrasting view, a security source relayed to Army Radio that Khaled Meshal, a notable Hamas leader, was not in the building during the strike, suggesting he remained unharmed.

On October 7, 2023, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) along with the Israel Security Agency released a statement asserting that Hamas and its leaders played a central role in the massacre that occurred in Israel.

“For many years, Hamas leaders have orchestrated terrorism, being responsible for the brutal massacre on October 7th, and managing their conflict with Israel,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office stressed that the operation was “completely independent” and did not rely on external support.

“Today’s action against Hamas’ chief terrorist was solely an Israeli initiative. Israel initiated it, and Israel will handle its implications,” the statement claimed.

However, some Israeli officials later indicated that the United States had played a role in coordinating the strike beforehand.

The IDF mentioned that precautions, such as using precise munitions and additional intelligence, were taken to minimize civilian harm in Doha, which has a population of over one million residents.

“The IDF and ISA remain committed to dismantling the Hamas terrorist organization responsible for the October 7th massacre,” concluded their statement.