Israel Hits Hamas Leaders in Doha, Halting Gaza Ceasefire Talks
Oct, 9 2025
When Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, gave the green light on September 9, 2025, the world watched a rapid, cross‑border strike unfold over the Persian Gulf. Israeli jets roared out of Nevatim Airbase in the Negev desert, buzzed 1,800 kilometers, and delivered precision bombs on a secured government building in Doha. The target? Senior Hamas negotiators Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al‑Hayya, who were finalising a U.S.‑backed ceasefire proposal.
Why the strike mattered
The attack came just a day after a suicide bomb at Jerusalem’s Central Bus Station killed six Israelis and wounded 14. Israeli Defense Forces framed the Doha raid as retaliation, not a random hit‑and‑run. In a press conference held at 2:30 PM EEST, Netanyahu declared the operation a "necessary response to the Jerusalem terror attack" and stressed that Israeli forces would "operate across the entire Middle East" until Hamas is crippled.
What happened on the ground
According to NBC’s Richard Engel, two F‑35I Adir jets—Israel’s most advanced stealth fighters—carried out the strike. Inside the Doha compound, five lower‑ranking Hamas members fell, among them 32‑year‑old Mohammed al‑Hayya (son of Khalil) and 45‑year‑old Hassan Rabah, al‑Hayya’s chief of staff. The blast also killed Major General Faisal bin Thamer Al‑Hajri, a senior Qatari security official, adding a diplomatic layer to an already volatile scene.
Immediate diplomatic fallout
The White House, represented by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, warned that striking a sovereign ally’s territory risked "undermining regional stability," yet she reaffirmed that neutralising Hamas remained a "worthy goal." Within 24 hours, Qatar recalled its ambassador to Israel, and Saudi Arabia announced a freeze on its nascent normalisation talks with Jerusalem.
- Strike time: ~10:00 PM local (UTC+3) on September 9, 2025
- Targets: Khaled Meshaal (67) and Khalil al‑Hayya (65) – both survived
- Civilians killed: 1 Qatari major general, 5 Hamas operatives
- U.S. reaction: Criticism of location, no direct condemnation
- Regional response: Arab‑Islamic Summit (Doha, Sep 15) called for sanctions against Israel
How the strike reshaped ceasefire talks
Hamas had received a Trump‑administration ceasefire draft on September 7. The Doha attack, however, slammed the door on any immediate negotiations. The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Doha reported that the proposal was "immediately shelved" after the raid, and the subsequent Arab‑Islamic Summit passed Resolution 15/2025 urging all member states to review diplomatic ties with Israel and halt weapons transfers.
Expert analysis and historical parallels
Analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted that this operation fits a pattern dating back to the 1997 attempted poisoning of Khaled Meshaal in Jordan and the July 31, 2024 assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Mona Yacoubian, CSIS Middle‑East Program Director, warned that "Israel’s priority of Hamas’ total defeat over a ceasefire is likely to trigger further strikes in Turkey and Iran within weeks." Her co‑author, Will Todman, added that the move could stall any further expansion of the Abraham Accords, which have so far brought Israel into diplomatic folds with Bahrain, Morocco, and the UAE.
What’s next on the horizon?
With the Arab‑Islamic Summit set to convene on September 15, regional leaders will grapple with a stark choice: pressure Israel with economic sanctions or risk further isolation. Meanwhile, Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Hertzi Halevi, hinted at "additional operations" if Hamas does not cease fire talks. The message is clear—Israel will keep hunting high‑value targets, and the Middle East is bracing for a new wave of cross‑border clashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Doha strike affect the Gaza ceasefire negotiations?
The strike effectively shut down the Trump administration’s ceasefire draft that had been delivered to Hamas on September 7. With senior Hamas negotiators under attack, the group pulled back from talks, and the Arab‑Islamic Summit subsequently called for a review of diplomatic ties with Israel, further dimming hopes for an immediate truce.
Who were the primary targets and what was the outcome?
The intended targets were senior Hamas leaders Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al‑Hayya. Both survived the strike. However, five lower‑rank Hamas operatives, including al‑Hayya’s son Mohammed, were killed, as was Qatari Major General Faisal bin Thamer Al‑Hajri.
What was the international reaction, especially from the United States?
U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticised the choice of location, calling it "risky" for regional stability, but affirmed that dismantling Hamas remains a priority. No formal sanctions were announced, but Washington’s diplomatic push for a ceasefire lost momentum.
Could this strike trigger further Israeli operations in the region?
Analysts at CSIS warn that Israel’s declared strategy of "operating across the entire Middle East" makes additional raids on Hamas leadership in Turkey, Iran, or even Lebanon likely within weeks, especially if Hamas does not re‑engage in ceasefire talks.
What are the expected economic repercussions for Israel?
Resolution 15/2025 from the Arab‑Islamic Summit urges members to impose comprehensive sanctions on Israel and suspend weapon transfers. If enacted, Israel could face reduced trade flows from Gulf states, higher energy costs, and increased pressure on its already strained defense budget.