Summary
In a dramatic turn of events, Hamas leadership survived an Israeli airstrike on Doha, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to issue a rare rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while emphasizing the possibility of a peace breakthrough.
On September 9, 2025, Israel launched a “precision strike” targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. The airstrike reportedly killed five Hamas members but failed to eliminate the group’s key negotiators who were meeting to discuss a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the strike was in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and a recent shooting in Jerusalem that left six people dead. However, the timing and location of the strike shocked many, especially since Qatar has been acting as a critical mediator in Israel-Hamas negotiations.
Trump Issues Rare Rebuke Over Israeli Strike on Qatar
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has long been known for his staunch support of Israel, made headlines by criticizing Netanyahu’s decision. Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump revealed that the U.S. military only learned about the strike after it began and that he immediately directed his envoy to warn Qatar—but the message came “too late” to prevent the attack.
“I’m not thrilled about the way this went down,” Trump said. “We want the hostages back, and Qatar has been a strong ally in helping us achieve peace. Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and a close ally of the United States, does not advance Israel or America’s goals.”
Despite his criticism, Trump stressed that eliminating Hamas remains a “worthy goal” but warned against damaging U.S.-Qatar relations. He reassured Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that such an incident would not be repeated and directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to finalize a new defense cooperation agreement with Doha.
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: Qatar Caught in the Crossfire Again
This incident marks the second time in three months that Qatar has been hit by foreign strikes. Back in June, Iran launched missiles near the U.S. Al Udeid airbase outside Doha in response to American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Now, Qatar finds itself once again at the center of Middle Eastern tensions. As the main mediator between Israel and Hamas, this strike casts uncertainty over ongoing ceasefire talks, potentially jeopardizing the release of Israeli hostages and worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
An Unexpected Opportunity for Peace?
In a surprising twist, Trump suggested that this crisis could become a turning point.
“The Prime Minister told me he wants to make peace,” Trump said. “I believe this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace.”
Analysts agree that while tensions are high, both Israel and Hamas may now feel additional pressure to return to the negotiating table to prevent further escalation.
Key Details of Hamas Leadership Surviving Israeli Strike in Doha
| Date | Event | Key Players Involved | Outcome | Future Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2025 | Israeli airstrike on Doha targeting Hamas leaders | Israel (PM Netanyahu), Hamas leadership, Qatar, U.S. (President Trump) | Five Hamas members killed; negotiating team survived | Ceasefire talks disrupted; Qatar condemns attack |
| September 9, 2025 | Trump issues rare rebuke to Netanyahu | U.S. President Donald Trump, PM Netanyahu | Trump criticizes strike, assures Qatar it won’t happen again | U.S.-Qatar defense cooperation talks initiated |
| June 2025 | Iranian missile strike on Al Udeid U.S. airbase near Doha | Iran, U.S., Qatar | Iran retaliated for U.S. attacks on nuclear facilities | Highlighted Qatar’s vulnerability in regional conflicts |
| September 2025 | Ceasefire talks in jeopardy | Hamas, Israel, Qatar, U.S. | Ongoing uncertainty after Israeli strike on Doha | Potential delay in hostage release, peace efforts |
| September 2025 | U.S. pledges stronger ties with Qatar | U.S. (President Trump, Secretary Marco Rubio), Qatar | Defense cooperation agreement discussions accelerated | Strengthened U.S.-Qatar strategic partnership |
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: What Happens Next?
The world watches closely as Qatar weighs its response. The nation has vowed to protect its sovereignty while continuing its role as a peace broker. With U.S. assurances of support and Trump signaling renewed diplomatic efforts, there is cautious optimism that this crisis could lead to meaningful progress in ending the war in Gaza.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQ: Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: What exactly happened on September 9, 2025?
On September 9, 2025, Israel launched a precision airstrike on a residential compound in Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders. The attack killed five Hamas members but failed to eliminate the top negotiating team discussing a U.S.-backed ceasefire deal for Gaza.
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: How did the United States react?
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong concerns, saying he was not informed beforehand. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for risking peace negotiations with Qatar, a close U.S. ally and key mediator in the Israel-Hamas talks.
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: Why did Israel carry out this attack?
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the strike was retaliation for Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and a deadly shooting in Jerusalem on September 8, 2025, that claimed six lives.
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: Did the negotiating team escape unharmed?
Yes. Hamas confirmed its senior negotiators survived the Israeli airstrike. This survival means the ceasefire discussions could still continue, though tensions have risen significantly.
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: How did Qatar respond?
Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty and revealed it received the U.S. warning only after the strike had already started, leaving no time to protect civilians or prevent the incident.
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: Why is this incident significant for Middle East peace talks?
The strike occurred while Qatar was mediating peace efforts between Israel and Hamas. It threatens to derail negotiations, delay hostage releases, and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: Did Trump see any opportunity for peace after the attack?
Yes. Despite criticizing Israel’s decision, Trump stated the event might push all sides to work harder toward a long-term peace agreement and directed U.S. officials to strengthen ties with Qatar.
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: Why has Qatar become a repeated target in regional conflicts?
Qatar’s location, its role as a U.S. ally, and its mediation efforts make it central to regional tensions. Earlier in June 2025, Iran fired missiles near a U.S. airbase in Qatar after American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: What steps are being taken to prevent future incidents?
President Trump instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to finalize a defense cooperation agreement with Qatar, ensuring stronger security measures and preventing similar attacks in the future.
Hamas Leadership Survives Israeli Strike in Doha: What happens next for ceasefire negotiations?
Both Israel and Hamas face mounting international pressure to return to talks. Whether this incident accelerates peace efforts or deepens the conflict remains uncertain.