Hamas leaders survive Israel's 'Summit of Fire' operation in Doha

Israel on Tuesday launched strikes on Qatar’s capital, Doha, targeting senior Hamas leaders.

Several explosions were heard in the city, with the Israeli military later confirming the attack as an assassination attempt on the group’s leadership. “The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization,” the statement said, though it did not specify the location.

According to Israeli and regional media, the officials on Israel’s target list included Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, along with Zaher Jabarin, Khaled Mashal, and Nizar Awadallah.

The delegation survived the strike, which reportedly occurred during a meeting in Doha on a Gaza ceasefire proposal backed by the United States, Al Arabiya reported, quoting an Hamas official.

AFP reported that the Israeli military carried out air strikes. “The name of the operation in Doha is Summit of Fire. These were air strikes,” a military official said, as quoted by the wire service.

This marks the first time Israel has carried out an attack on Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

Qatar strongly condemned the strike. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said the attack hit residential buildings housing members of the Hamas political bureau.

“This criminal attack constitutes a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents of Qatar,” the statement read.

The ministry added that Doha “will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and its continued tampering with regional security, as well as any action targeting its security and sovereignty.” It said investigations were underway “at the highest level” and further details would be released in due course.