A dramatic series of events unfolded in Qatar’s capital, Doha, where Israel launched an unprecedented strike on senior Hamas leaders. The operation, codenamed “Summit of Fire”, has triggered fierce diplomatic fallout, thrown ceasefire negotiations into uncertainty, and raised questions over Washington’s role.
Early Reports of Explosions
The first indication came when Reuters cited witnesses who reported several explosions in Doha’s Katara district. Smoke was seen rising over the area, which includes the Katara Cultural Quarter and is popular with tourists. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as security services rushed to the site.
Israeli Media Reports Assassination Attempt
Israeli outlets including Channel 12 and Kan TV quickly cited government sources saying the explosions were part of an Israeli operation targeting senior Hamas leaders. Axios also reported that officials confirmed the strike was an assassination attempt against Hamas figures.
Israeli Military Confirms Operation
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), working alongside Shin Bet, formally acknowledged the strike. They said their air force had targeted Hamas’s senior leadership, accusing them of directing operations against Israel for years.
The IDF confirmed that 10 jets carried out the assault, dropping 11 munitions on a compound located on Wadi Rawdan Street in Doha. The strike was given the codename “Operation Summit of Fire.”
Hamas Leadership Meeting Targeted
According to multiple reports, the compound was being used for a Hamas political bureau meeting. Al Jazeera later reported that the meeting was convened to discuss a ceasefire proposal presented days earlier by US envoy Steve Witkoff. Sources suggested that top Hamas figures including Khaled Mashal, Khalil al-Hayya, Mousa Abu Marzouk, Husam Badran, and Taher al-Nunu were present.
Confusion Over Casualties
Initial Israeli media reports suggested fatalities among Hamas leadership. However, Hamas sources told Al Jazeera that all leaders survived. This was later corroborated by Reuters, which cited two sources confirming that the group’s ceasefire negotiation team had not been killed.
Qatar Condemns Strike
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as a “cowardly” attack, saying it had targeted residential buildings housing Hamas’s political bureau. Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said it violated international law, endangered Qataris and residents, and constituted a direct assault on the country’s sovereignty. Qatar subsequently announced it was suspending all mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas.
Netanyahu: ‘Wholly Israeli Operation’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated the action was conducted entirely by Israel, saying:
“Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid hailed the assault as an “exceptional operation” by the IDF, Air Force and Shin Bet.
US Position and Confusion
Speculation mounted over US involvement after Israeli Channel 12 claimed President Donald Trump had given Israel a “green light” for the operation. Israel Hayom further reported that the US and Qatar had been notified in advance.
However, regional US military officials told Al Jazeera that they had not been informed beforehand and only learned of the strike afterwards. They added they could not confirm whether the White House itself had advance knowledge.
The White House has so far declined to comment, with Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly saying officials were “still watching to see how it develops.” A press briefing is scheduled, where Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is expected to face questions.
US Embassy Shelter Order
Following the strikes, the US Embassy in Doha issued a shelter-in-place order for American citizens, highlighting security concerns in the Qatari capital.
Hamas Leaders Survive
Hamas reiterated that all leaders present at the meeting survived the attack. A senior Hamas source told Al Jazeera the strike would not deter negotiations and that the group remained committed to pursuing a ceasefire deal.
What Comes Next
The strike has thrown ceasefire talks into crisis. Qatar, a key mediator in previous truce agreements, has withdrawn from negotiations. With Washington’s role now under scrutiny and Hamas’s survival confirmed, efforts to end the Gaza war face a new and uncertain chapter.
