Blasts in Doha as Israel targets Hamas officials

Images showing the blasts in Doha. (Credit: Getty Images)

Several explosions hit a residence in the northern suburbs of Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Tuesday, as Israel confirmed attempts to target senior Hamas officials using long-range munitions.

The Wall Street Journal reports that more than 10 Israeli jet fighters fired the missiles from outside of Qatar’s airspace. Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed the operation in comments on Tuesday.

According to Israeli army radio, the strike was aimed at Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s Gaza chief. Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, citing a Hamas source, said the attack specifically targeted members of the group involved in ceasefire negotiations over Gaza.

Witnesses told Reuters they heard multiple blasts in the city.

Hamas political bureau member Suhail al-Hindi,  in a televised interview with Al Jazeera TV, said the group’s top leadership had survived the attack on Doha. However, the son of Hamas’s exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya was killed in the attack, according to al-Hindi. The Wall Street Journal reports that five “lower-ranking members” of Hamas were among the group that died.

Qatar has been a key mediator in ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, playing a central role in efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.

The incident rippled through global markets. Oil prices extended gains following the news, with Brent crude rising 97 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to $66.99 a barrel by 13:21 GMT, after hitting a session high of $67.27.

US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 92 cents, also 1.5 per cent, to $63.18 after reaching $63.52. The gains added to earlier upward momentum driven by a smaller-than-expected OPEC+ production increase, China’s continued stockpiling of oil, and concerns over potential new sanctions against Russia.

The Israeli military carried out ‘targeted strikes’ on Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar. A senior Hamas source says the attack happened as a negotiating team was discussing a Gaza ceasefire proposal. pic.twitter.com/Puw4hagwH9

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) September 9, 2025