On September 9, 2025, an Israeli airstrike hit a residential compound in Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas political leaders—including those involved in ceasefire negotiations—killing five, including the son of a senior Hamas negotiator, and a Qatari security officer. Top Hamas leadership reportedly survived. This provoked widespread international condemnation.Reuters
The strike took place while Qatar was actively mediating a new U.S.-backed ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Many saw the attack as a direct effort to undermine ongoing peace efforts. Reuters
In response:
- The UN Security Council formally condemned the strikes on Doha, with the U.S. backing a statement that called the attack a violation of Qatar’s territorial integrity.
- The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the New York Declaration, with 142 countries voting in favor, 10 against (including Israel and the U.S.), and 12 abstentions, renewing calls for a time-bounded, irreversible road map toward the two-state solution. Al Jazeera
Other regional fallout includes the UAE summoning Israel’s deputy ambassador, and criticism from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, all denouncing the breach of sovereignty and diplomatic protocol. Reuters
Israeli officials defended the strike, claiming it was aimed at eliminating those they see as obstacles to peace. Israeli envoy statements indicate that if key Hamas leaders were not killed this time, they may be targeted again in the future. Reuters
