Several loud explosions echoed across Doha, Qatar’s capital, on September 9, 2025, catching residents and the international community off guard.
Witnesses reported plumes of black smoke rising from neighborhoods such as the Katara district, heightening fears of a major escalation in the region.
The Israeli military confirmed that the blasts were the result of a precision strike targeting senior Hamas leadership residing in Doha. This operation, described as a calculated assassination attempt, marked Israel’s first-ever direct attack on Hamas officials in Qatar—a country long regarded as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas.
Qatar swiftly condemned the strike, denouncing it as a “cowardly” move and a clear violation of international norms. Local authorities, meanwhile, confirmed the explosions but have yet to disclose details about casualties or further developments.
In the absence of official casualty reports, speculation continues to swirl around whether key figures were affected. The incident comes at a delicate moment, with Qatar actively facilitating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. This attack threatens to destabilize those diplomatic channels.