Several explosions were reported in Qatar’s capital Doha on Tuesday as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it had carried out airstrikes targeting senior Hamas leaders abroad. The strikes, part of an operation named Summit of Fire, have triggered strong condemnation from Qatar.
In a statement, the Israeli military said: “The IDF (Israeli military) and ISA (security agency) conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation.”
It added, “For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organisation’s operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 (2023) massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.”
An Israeli military official told AFP that the strikes specifically targeted Doha: “The name of the operation in Doha is Summit of Fire. These were air strikes.”
The move follows IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir’s earlier warning: “Most of Hamas’s leadership is abroad, and we will reach them as well,” he said on August 31.
Qatar Condemns ‘Flagrant Violation’ of Its Sovereignty
Qatar, which has long hosted exiled Hamas leaders and mediated negotiations between the group and Israel, reacted sharply. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari called the airstrikes a “cowardly Israeli attack” and a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.”
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In a post on X, Ansari wrote: “The State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha.”
He described it as a “criminal assault” and warned that it posed a “serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.”
The ministry said security forces and civil defense units had immediately taken measures to contain the situation, adding: “Investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as they are available.”
Israel Praises Strike, US Was Informed in Advance
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed the operation, stating on X: “Terrorists have no immunity and will never have immunity from Israel’s long arm anywhere in the world. Right decision and a perfect execution by the IDF and the Shin Bet.”
Meanwhile, a White House official confirmed to AFP that Israel had informed the United States in advance of the strike.
The attack comes amid delicate negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, raising concerns about its potential impact on ongoing talks.
