Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that a strike was carried out against Hamas leaders based in Doha, Qatar, following deadly attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza.
Netanyahu indicated that he had instructed security agencies to be ready for such operations, working closely with Defense Minister Katz. He mentioned that, after consulting with the security chief, they decided to seize available operational opportunities, and that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) executed the strike “in an accurate and optimal way.”
Both Netanyahu and Katz emphasized that this action was necessary, as the targeted Hamas leaders were involved in orchestrating the October 7 attacks and continuing assaults on Israel, claiming responsibility for the killings that occurred on Monday in Jerusalem.
Following the violent incidents in Jerusalem and Gaza on Monday, Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered all security forces to be on alert, anticipating potential retaliatory actions from Hamas leaders. The Minister of Defense fully backed this initiative.
According to both leaders, the lawsuit was not only necessary but justified, especially considering that the Hamas leaders, who were behind the October 7 attacks, have persisted in instigating violence against Israel and its populace, including taking accountability for the recent attacks in Jerusalem.
In a joint statement, the IDF and ISA confirmed they conducted “precise strikes targeting senior Hamas leaders.” They indicated that the individuals struck were directly linked to the October 7 attacks and ongoing threats against Israel. “Prior to the strike, precautions were taken to minimize civilian harm, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence,” the statement detailed. The operation was later referred to as “the top of the fire.”
Until this point, Israel had been hesitant to target Hamas leadership in Qatar, where many senior figures have lived in exile for years. Qatar has played a mediating role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, particularly regarding hostage situations. In 2022, former President Joe Biden designated Qatar as a “major non-NATO ally,” while President Trump visited the Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar in May.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strike. Spokesman Al Ansari described it as “a criminal attack” and a “clear violation of international law and norms,” calling attention to the fact that the attack struck a residential building housing several Hamas Politburo members.
Netanyahu asserted Israel’s independence in this decision, stating, “Today’s action against Hamas’ top terrorist chief was entirely an Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel executed it, and Israel assumes full responsibility.”
The strike unfolded after Israel accepted proposals laid out by former President Donald Trump for resolving the war in Gaza, which included the release of remaining hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. On Tuesday, Defense Minister Katz reiterated that Israel is ready to end the conflict “tomorrow” if hostages are released and Hamas is disarmed, warning that Gaza City would otherwise face severe consequences.
