Ceasefire Efforts Disrupted by Attack on Hamas Officials

On September 9, 2025, Israel carried out a missile strike on Hamas's headquarters in Doha, Qatar, marking a major escalation in the Gaza conflict.

The attack targeted senior Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, Muhammad Ismail Darwish, and Khaled Mashal. Although Hamas reported that its top leadership survived, the strike killed six people, including al-Hayya's son and a Qatari Internal Security Force officer.

The operation, reportedly named "Pisgat HaEsh," took place during ongoing ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt. At the time, Hamas was considering a proposed ceasefire deal. The Israeli government confirmed the strike, describing it as an independent operation.

The attack drew widespread international condemnation. Qatar condemned it as a blatant violation of international laws and norms, while the United Nations Secretary-General called it a violation of Qatar's sovereignty. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, also criticized the strike, expressing concerns over regional stability and the potential undermining of diplomatic efforts.

In response, Qatar suspended its mediation efforts in the Gaza conflict. Hamas stated that it had not withdrawn from ceasefire talks despite the setback. The international community continues to call for renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.