Qatari authorities are still searching for two missing individuals and identifying human remains following an Israeli air strike in Doha that targeted senior Hamas leaders. The attack reportedly struck residential premises housing the group’s political bureau, which was discussing the latest US ceasefire proposal.
The Qatari interior ministry has confirmed the deaths of Humam al-Hayya, Jihad Labad, Moamen Hassouna, and a Qatari security officer, Badr al-Humaidi. The fate of Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya remains unknown. Hamas claimed the assassination attempt failed, stating that its negotiating team survived the strike.
Regional and international reactions have been swift. Qatar condemned the strike as “state terror” and is consulting with US partners on the next steps. US President Donald Trump criticized the unilateral nature of the attack, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strike as targeting the “terrorist masterminds” of the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed solidarity with Qatar and condemned the strike.
Qatar continues to investigate the strike’s impact on the 48 remaining hostages in Gaza, fearing it may have undermined ongoing mediation efforts. A regional summit in Doha is reportedly being planned to coordinate an Arab response.
