Background on Key Figures and Relevance
On September 9, Israel conducted an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. The primary objective was Khalil al-Hayya, the head of Hamas who has been leading indirect negotiations with Israel. Zaher Jabarin, another high-ranking Hamas official, was also targeted.
Qatar has been a crucial ally of the United States and serves as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups. The country has hosted various rounds of talks for a truce in Gaza.
Details of the Airstrike
The Israeli attack aimed to eliminate Hamas leaders, but according to Hamas, al-Hayya survived. However, the airstrike resulted in the deaths of al-Hayya’s son, his office director, three security guards, and a member of Qatar’s Internal Security Forces.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, stated that Qatar would continue its mediation role alongside the United States and Egypt despite the attack. He also mentioned that Qatar reserves the right to respond to this aggression.
International Reactions
Israel justified the operation as a response to a recent attack in Jerusalem, claimed by Hamás, which resulted in the deaths of six Israelis.
The United States had reportedly warned Qatar about the impending airstrike, but Qatar denied receiving any prior notification. The White House spokesperson had mentioned that the U.S. informed Qatar as soon as they learned about the attack.
Several countries, including the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, condemned the airstrike.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was the target of the airstrike? The primary targets were Hamas leaders Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin.
- Where did the airstrike take place? The attack occurred in Doha, Qatar.
- What was the purpose of the airstrike? Israel claimed it was in response to a recent attack in Jerusalem carried out by Hamas.
- What was the outcome of the airstrike? Although Hamas claimed al-Hayya survived, the attack resulted in several deaths among Hamas members and Qatar’s Internal Security Forces.
- How did the international community react? Many countries, including the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and others, condemned the airstrike as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and an act of aggression.
