Israel has launched unprecedented airstrikes in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior Hamas leaders in a move that has drawn widespread international condemnation and threatens to further destabilize the Middle East. Footage from the Qatari capital showed large explosions and heavy smoke as Israeli forces claimed to have targeted a meeting of Hamas officials, including top figures such as Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashal. Conflicting reports emerged about casualties, with Hamas sources insisting their negotiating delegation survived, while some foreign media claimed senior leaders were killed.

Qatar, which has played a key role in mediating ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and international law. The United Nations and several regional powers, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, also denounced the attack, warning that it could derail ongoing efforts to negotiate a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. The United States confirmed it was notified ahead of the strikes, and its embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place order for citizens.

The Israeli government stated the operation was a unilateral action in response to recent Hamas attacks, linking it to a deadly shooting in Jerusalem the previous day. The strikes come amid intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza City and renewed warnings from Israeli leaders that they will target Hamas leadership abroad. The escalation has raised fears of broader regional instability and jeopardized fragile ceasefire negotiations.