Tel Aviv, 9 September 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The Israeli military said on Tuesday it struck the leadership of the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gulf state of Qatar.

"For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization’s operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wrote on X.

The Arabic news channel Al Arabiya reported that, according to preliminary information, Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya was killed in the attack. There was no immediate official confirmation of his death or that of other Hamas leaders. Hamas sources told broadcaster Al Jazeera the strike targeted the group’s negotiating team.

Al-Hayya is Hamas' most senior figure abroad and has headed its delegation in indirect ceasefire talks with Israel, spending most of his time in Qatar.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry “strongly condemned the cowardly Israeli attack" on the residences of Hamas leaders in Doha, calling it "a blatant violation of international laws” that threatens "the security and safety of Qataris and residents."

Images from Doha showed smoke rising over the city and a damaged building, with a black vehicle parked outside.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country took full responsibility for the operation.

"Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel carried it out," his office said. Israel’s Channel 12 had earlier reported that US President Donald Trump approved the strike in advance.

Iran also condemned the attack. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said it was “a violation of the principles, objectives and rules of the United Nations Charter,” according to state news agency IRNA.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi denounced the strike as a "cowardly act of aggression," calling it "a flagrant violation of international law" and part of the "brutal Israeli aggression" threatening regional stability.

In the United Arab Emirates, presidential adviser Anwar Gargash described it as a "treacherous Israeli attack," while Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed wrote on X that the UAE stood "in full solidarity with dear Qatar."

Israel has long pressed for the closure of Hamas’s Doha office, opened in 2012 after the Arab Spring. Qatar has since hosted ceasefire and hostage exchange negotiations alongside Egypt and the United States.

Ten days ago, IDF deputy chief of staff Eyal Zamir warned Hamas leaders abroad they would be targeted, following the killing of the group’s spokesman Abu Obeida. Defence Minister Israel Katz also vowed intensified operations, warning Hamas on Monday that “the bolt is now being removed from the gates of Hell in Gaza.”

Hamas said after the strike that it was ready for “immediate negotiations” and welcomed “any move that helps the efforts to stop the aggression against our people.”

Israel has repeatedly targeted Hamas figures, including Yahya Sinwar, seen as the mastermind of the October 7 attacks, and senior commander Mohammed Deif. It also killed Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in strike in Tehran last year.

Photo: X