On September 9, Israeli fighter jets conducted their first-ever strike on Qatar's capital, Doha, targeting the residence of Hamas leaders in Leqtaifiya. The primary target was negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya and several other top officials. The operation had been planned for months and carried significant political risks for Israel.
The attack occurred as a new US ceasefire proposal was being discussed. Qatar, a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, responded sharply, labeling the action 'state terrorism' and temporarily suspending its mediation.
The US, an ally of both Israel and Qatar, strongly criticized the strike. President Trump called it counterproductive and publicly condemned Israel's actions, highlighting the limits of US support.
Arab and European countries also condemned the strike as a violation of international law. Diplomatic tensions in the Middle East increased, negotiations stalled, and trust in Qatar's mediation was eroded.
The strike on Doha is part of Israel's broader strategy to eliminate Hamas leadership, fundamentally changing the region's diplomatic dynamics. The future of ceasefire talks and the role of mediators remain uncertain.
