Why Did Israel Strikes Hamas Figures in Qatar?
Overview
On 9 September 2025, an Israeli missile strike in Doha shattered a residential district where Hamas officials were reportedly meeting. It marked the first Israeli attack on Qatari soil, jolting diplomats and disrupting Qatar’s role as a vital mediator between Israel, Hamas, and the United States.
The strike triggered swift global condemnation, emergency summits in Doha, and exposed the fragility of delicate hostage negotiations. For years, Qatar balanced roles as host, funder, and go-between, but the attack turned that leverage into vulnerability. This article by Academic Block explores why Israel struck, what it gained, what it risked, and how diplomacy was shaken.
Background and Birth of Hamas
Hamas, short for the Islamic Resistance Movement, is a Palestinian Islamist organization that plays a central role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It was officially founded in 1987, during the First Intifada, as an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. Hamas combines political, social, and militant wings, presenting itself both as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation and as a provider of welfare services in Gaza.
Over the decades, it has gained influence by positioning itself as an alternative to the Palestinian Authority, often rejecting peace processes that do not meet its demands. However, its militant activities, rocket attacks, and suicide bombings have led Israel, the United States, and the European Union to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
History of Hamas Leadership Residing in Doha Since 2012
Since 2012, Qatar’s capital, Doha, has served as a crucial hub for Hamas’s political leadership after the group was expelled from Damascus during Syria’s civil war. Senior figures, including Khaled Meshaal and later Ismail Haniyeh, established their base there, benefiting from Qatari protection and financial backing. Moreover, Doha offered Hamas both political legitimacy and proximity to key regional players. This position enabled the group to influence ceasefire negotiations and maintain global outreach while operating outside the conflict zone of Gaza.
Why Israel targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar?
Israel’s counterterrorism strategy underscores this decisive move. These include:
- Israel targeted Hamas leaders in Qatar because it views them as the core planners of militant attacks. Consequently, the October 7, 2023 assault on Israel, which killed civilians and triggered a prolonged conflict.
- These leaders who are residing safely in Doha since 2012, are accused of directing operations, and raising funds. On the other hand, they are also strengthening ties with Iran and Hezbollah that make them a strategic threat beyond Gaza.
- Moreover, Israel argues that striking Hamas figures abroad disrupts the group’s command and control network. The attack also signaled that no sanctuary is permanent.
- At the same time, Israel seeks to pressure Qatar, which has been both a mediator and a host for Hamas, since 2012.
- Ultimately, this move signals Israel’s broader strategy of dismantling Hamas’s leadership globally. It also reinforces its counterterrorism policy and secures stronger backing from the United States and Western allies.
Human Impact of the Hamas Attack on Israel, 2023:
The human impact of the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 was devastating, leaving deep scars on families and communities. According to the data, around 1,200 people were killed, making it one of the deadliest assaults in recent history. Along with the tragic loss of life, 251 individuals were taken hostage, creating a humanitarian crisis that drew global attention.
The combination of mass casualties and hostage-taking not only caused immense grief but also fueled international calls for urgent diplomatic and military action. These numbers highlight the severe human suffering and the far-reaching consequences of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
How many people were taken hostages on October 7, 2023?
During the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, Hamas and other militant groups took 251 people hostage, marking one of the deadliest incidents in recent history. This hostage crisis created widespread international concern and prompted urgent diplomatic and military responses. According to recent reports, the hostages’ fates varied significantly.
A total of 146 individuals were freed or rescued. Among them were those released during the November 2023 ceasefire, later deals, and military rescues. Tragically, 83 hostages were confirmed killed, with some dying during the initial attack and others while in captivity, their bodies taken to Gaza.
Latest Updates on Hostages in Israel-Hamas Conflict
Overall, the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack left a lasting humanitarian crisis. Although many hostages were rescued, the deaths and remaining captives still symbolize ongoing suffering, highlighting the urgent need for peace, security, and international intervention. This ongoing crisis also highlights regional dynamics, so looking at a comparison between Israel and Qatar helps understand the situation better.
Relative Comparison between Israel and Qatar
When comparing Israel and Qatar, clear differences appear in terms of population, economy, and military strength. Israel has a population of 9.5 million, which is more than three times Qatar’s 3.1 million. Economically, Israel’s GDP stands at $580 billion, far higher than Qatar’s $220 billion, showing Israel’s stronger overall economy.
However, Qatar maintains one of the world’s highest GDP per capita due to its smaller population and energy-based wealth. In defense, Israel allocates $46.5 billion, significantly more than Qatar’s $15.4 billion, reflecting its regional security priorities. Israel also maintains about ~670,000 military personnel, while Qatar has only ~85,000.
This highlights Israel’s larger defense capacity compared to Qatar. Overall, while Qatar is wealthy on a per-person basis, Israel shows greater strength in population, economic size, and military power.
U.S. Response to Israel’s Strike in Qatar and Its Regional Consequences
The U.S. publicly expressed serious concerns over the strike in Doha, calling it an “unfortunate incident” that does not advance either American or Israeli objectives. President Donald Trump said he was “very unhappy about the way that went down” and emphasised that bombing inside a sovereign U.S. ally undermines broader peace efforts. The White House claimed to have notified Qatar about the impending attack via Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. However, Qatar denied receiving any warning in advance, stating that the communication came amidst the sounds of explosions.
U.S. officials simultaneously reiterated that eliminating Hamas is a valid goal. Yet, they noted that the strike’s timing and location could damage diplomatic initiatives, including Qatar’s efforts to mediate a Gaza ceasefire.
How have Qatar responded on this unusual incident?
Qatar strongly condemned the incident. It described the strikes as a “cowardly criminal assault” and a “blatant violation of international laws and norms.” The statement came at a time when Doha has been actively mediating peace efforts.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the region has reached a critical turning point. He urged a collective response to actions that he believes are meant to derail peace initiatives.
The Qatari leadership, including Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari, reaffirmed that Qatar reserves the right to respond proportionately. They also called on the global community to hold Israel accountable for escalating tensions.
From Hostages to Hits: Israel Strikes Hamas Leadership Abroad
Israel’s strikes in Doha underscores the nation’s decisive stance against terrorism. Following the October 2023 Hamas attacks, which shocked the world and led to the killing of civilians and the taking of hostages, Israel acted to safeguard its citizens and national security.
Targeting Hamas leaders abroad demonstrates Israel’s intelligence capabilities and military precision, emphasizing its readiness to neutralize threats even beyond its borders. These operations signal Israel’s unwavering power and strategic resolve, sending a strong message to terrorist networks. In a volatile region, such actions reinforce Israel’s commitment to security, deterrence, and regional stability.
Web Resources on Israel Strikes on Qatar
1. BBC.com: What do we know about Israeli strike on Hamas in Qatar?
2. Nytimes.com: Israel Attack Qatar
3. Wsj.com: Hamas Took Around 250 Hostages From Israel
4. Reuters.com: Israel targets Hamas leadership
5. Sipri.org: Unprecedented rise in global military expenditure
Final Words
The Israeli strike in Doha sharply escalated Israel-Qatar tensions, disrupted Hamas negotiations, and challenged regional diplomacy. While Israel cited security concerns, Qatar condemned the attack, emphasizing international law.
This incident highlights the fragile balance in the Middle East, showing that military actions, even abroad, can undermine peace and diplomatic mediation. It also threatens regional stability, demanding urgent multilateral efforts to protect civilians and restore trust. Please share your thoughts below in the comment section and help us to make this article better. Thank you for reading!
Questions and answers related to Israel Strikes on Qatar:
On September 9, 2025, Israel launched an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. The strike occurred during a ceasefire negotiation session, marking a significant escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The attack resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a Qatari security officer, and injured several others. This unprecedented assault on a Gulf Cooperation Council member state has drawn widespread international condemnation.
Israel’s airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha was driven by a desire to disrupt ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The targeted individuals were key figures in Hamas’s political leadership, and the attack aimed to weaken their negotiating position. The operation was conducted using ballistic missiles launched over the Red Sea, a method intended to bypass regional air defenses. Despite the strike, Hamas leaders reportedly survived, and the group’s stance on ceasefire demands remained unchanged.
The Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Doha was influenced by multiple factors. Firstly, Israel aimed to eliminate key Hamas figures involved in ceasefire negotiations. Secondly, the operation sought to demonstrate Israel’s commitment to its security objectives. Thirdly, the use of advanced missile technology highlighted Israel’s evolving military capabilities. Lastly, the strike underscored the complexities of international diplomacy, as Qatar has historically served as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Israeli airstrike in Doha resulted in the deaths of six individuals. Among the casualties was a Qatari security officer. Several others were injured in the attack, which targeted Hamas leaders during a ceasefire negotiation session. The incident has escalated tensions in the region and drawn widespread international condemnation.
In November 2024, Qatar ordered the expulsion of Hamas leaders from its territory. This decision followed increasing pressure from the United States and other international actors. Qatar’s move was seen as an attempt to align more closely with Western allies and to distance itself from groups designated as terrorist organizations. The expulsion marked a significant shift in Qatar’s foreign policy and its role in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Israel and Qatar maintain a pragmatic relationship, primarily focused on Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite shared interests in regional stability, their ties are often strained due to Qatar’s support for Hamas and its criticism of Israeli policies. Recent Israeli airstrikes in Doha have further complicated their interactions.
Qatar has historically hosted Hamas leaders, providing them with a platform for political activities and dialogue. This arrangement aligns with Qatar’s broader strategy of supporting Palestinian factions and asserting influence in regional affairs. However, this hosting has drawn criticism from Israel and other nations, citing concerns over terrorism and regional stability.
Following Israel’s airstrike in Doha on September 9, 2025, which targeted Hamas leaders and resulted in the death of a Qatari security official, Qatar has demanded international accountability but has refrained from direct military retaliation. The incident has heightened tensions and raised questions about Qatar’s future mediation role in the region.
Qatar and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations. However, Qatar has played a mediating role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, facilitating indirect communications and hosting discussions between various parties. Despite this intermediary role, Qatar’s support for Hamas and its criticism of Israeli policies have prevented the establishment of official bilateral ties.
In response to the September 9, 2025, Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty and international law. The Qatari government called for international accountability and emphasized that such actions undermine regional stability and Qatar’s efforts in mediating peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Israel’s bombing of Hamas leaders in Doha has significantly impacted Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The attack has strained Qatar’s diplomatic relations with Israel and raised questions about its neutrality and effectiveness in facilitating peace negotiations. The incident underscores the challenges faced by Qatar in balancing its regional ambitions with its mediation efforts.