Israel Claims Responsibility for Doha Strike Targeting Hamas Leaders, Sparks Regional Outrage
In a dramatic escalation that has sent shockwaves across the Middle East, Israel on Tuesday openly admitted to carrying out the strike in Doha, Qatar, aimed at eliminating the top leadership of Hamas.
The acknowledgement marks a rare moment when Israel has taken full and direct responsibility for a military action on the soil of a Gulf nation — one that has long been considered a critical mediator in regional conflicts.
Netanyahu: “A Wholly Independent Israeli Operation”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a blunt statement on social media, underscoring that the Doha strike was entirely an Israeli decision and execution.
“Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” the statement declared.
While neither Netanyahu nor the Israeli military specifically mentioned Qatar by name in their official statements, the implication was clear — Israel alone attacked in the Qatari capital.
IDF Vows More Strikes Against Hamas
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the Israel Security Agency (ISA), confirmed that the strike had targeted senior Hamas leaders who they said were directly responsible for the October 7 massacre and for orchestrating the continuing war against Israel.
“The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization.
For years, these members have led Hamas operations, directed brutal attacks, and managed the ongoing war. Before the strike, measures were taken to minimize civilian harm, including the use of precision-guided munitions and intelligence verification,” the IDF stated on X.
Reiterating its hardline approach, the IDF emphasized: “We will continue to act with determination until Hamas, the organization behind the October 7 massacre, is defeated.”
Regional Condemnation and Outrage
The strike in Doha triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Israel’s Arab neighbors:
- Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally called Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, expressing Riyadh’s “full support” for Qatar and denouncing the strike as a “criminal act” and “a flagrant violation of international laws and norms.”
- United Arab Emirates: Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed issued a brief but pointed message declaring “full solidarity with dear Qatar.”
- Jordan: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned that the attack was a “serious threat to the security of the Qatari people” and described it as “an extension of brutal Israeli aggression,” destabilizing the wider region.
The sharp response underscores how Israel’s actions have inflamed regional tensions, particularly as Qatar hosts numerous diplomatic and humanitarian negotiations related to the Gaza conflict.
US Was Notified in Advance
Despite the regional backlash, the United States confirmed it had been informed ahead of the strike.
A White House official told AFP, on condition of anonymity, “We were informed in advance,” acknowledging Israel’s notification about the planned attack in Qatar — a country that is also home to a large US military base and serves as a key American ally in the Gulf.
A New Flashpoint in the Middle East
Israel’s open admission of striking inside Qatar — combined with the fierce regional reaction — risks widening the already volatile Middle East conflict.
What began as an operation targeting Hamas leaders may now spiral into a new diplomatic crisis, testing alliances, fueling anger, and raising fears of further instability in an already fragile region.
#Israel #Qatar #DohaStrike #Hamas #MiddleEastCrisis #Netanyahu #IDF #SaudiArabia #Jordan #UAE #USIsrael #RegionalTensions #October7
