Israel strikes Qatar but failed to assassinate the top
negotiating delegation
The US has become a tool for right-wing, violent politicians in Israel to control the Middle East.
Dr. Pamelia Riviere
On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at precisely 3 p.m. local time, the BBC reported a bold and
controversial attempt by Israel to eliminate Hamas leadership in Qatar. This operation resulted in
the tragic deaths of five lesser-ranked Hamas officials and a Qatari security officer, according to
statements from Qatari authorities. The Israeli strikes targeted the Hamas headquarters in Doha
but notably failed to neutralize the top negotiating delegation that was present.
Military sources revealed to the Times of Israel that more than ten Israeli Air Force fighter jets
were deployed, unleashing over ten precision-guided bombs on the Hamas assembly in Qatar.
The munitions struck a building believed to be sheltering Hamas leaders within mere moments,
highlighting the operation's rapid execution.
During the mission, multiple aerial refueling operations occurred, emphasizing the meticulous
planning that went into the strike.

The attack unfolded in the West Bay Lagoon area of Doha, a vibrant district known for its array
of foreign embassies, schools, supermarkets, and upscale residential compounds. This location,
home to both local Qatari citizens and a diverse international community, added a layer of
complexity and sensitivity to Israel's actions.
Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford, reporting from Doha, Qatar, noted that the situation in central
Doha has stabilized. However, he observed that the sound of explosions created a significant
sense of fear among residents.
Although efforts were made to approach the sites following the incidents, Qatari police promptly
ensured safety by moving reporters away.

Critics condemned the strike as an egregious violation of Qatar's sovereignty, interpreting it as a
deliberate provocation aimed at undermining U.S. President Donald Trump's ongoing ceasefire
initiative and jeopardizing the fragile path toward a peaceful two-state resolution. The brutal

assault was characterized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "peacemaking
action," a statement that drew ire and disbelief from observers. Netanyahu defended the attack,
claiming it was retaliation for a deadly shooting at a Jerusalem bus stop the previous day and for
the Hamas-led assaults that occurred on October 7, 2023.

However, Netanyahu asserted that Israel had "accepted" the latest proposed principles for a
ceasefire laid out by the U.S. In earlier communications, the Prime Minister's office portrayed
the strike as "a wholly independent Israeli operation," distancing Israel from any perceived
coordination.

President Trump, in an unexpected twist, remarked that the U.S. military had informed him of
Israel's intentions to strike Qatar. Trump stated he had attempted to alert Qatari officials of the
imminent attack but lamented that it had been "too late." He expressed mixed feelings about the
operation, posting on Truth Social about the rapid developments and the ensuing chaos.
The attack occurred at a precarious moment, as Qatar had positioned itself as a key mediator in
the complex geopolitics between Israel, the United States, and Hamas, actively seeking a
ceasefire in Gaza, as highlighted by Al Jazeera. Trump's reaction to the strikes was marked by
contradictions.

He assured Qatar that such a transgression would not be repeated on its territory, yet described
the eradication of Hamas as a "worthy goal." He voiced his discontent surrounding the conduct
of the operation, stating, "I'm not thrilled about the whole situation. It's not a good situation. But
I will say this, we want the hostages back, but we are not thrilled about the way that went down."
In a follow-up, he promised to provide a more comprehensive statement the following day,
underscoring his dissatisfaction with every facet of the incident.

The Israeli strikes in Doha serve as a stark indication of Trump's waning influence over Israeli
military decisions, or perhaps the U.S. had implicitly granted a green light for such actions.
Despite Trump's aspirations for peace in Gaza, it became increasingly clear that Netanyahu's
choices frequently undermined the delicate diplomatic efforts to maintain strong alliances with
U.S. partners in the Gulf region.

Qatar's response to the recent Israeli attack raises questions about its geopolitical stance and
relationships. Despite having received a luxury Boeing 747 as a gift for former President Donald
Trump, and a strong commitment to the US as an ally Qatar found itself targeted by Israel's
military actions. Trump indicated he was informed about the strikes beforehand and suggested
Qatar was aware that the operation aimed at Hamas leaders.

He characterized Qatar as a "great ally" and noted his discussions with both Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar's Emir and Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for
restraint and diplomacy following the incident.
The attacks in Doha, which mark a significant escalation given that Qatar has historically hosted
Hamas' political leadership, indicate a broader strategy by Israel, particularly in light of recent
violence in Jerusalem and ongoing operations in Syria and Lebanon. Brigadier Amir Avivi,
founder of the Israel Defence and Security Forum, stated that Israel intends to eliminate Hamas
wherever they are based. Amidst this backdrop, questions arise regarding Egypt's silence and the
broader Arab response to Israeli aggressions.
The Israeli attacks in Qatar, involving the use of extensive munitions, are viewed by many as a
violation of international law, particularly given the deaths of six individuals linked to Hamas.
CNN reported that this marked an unprecedented operational reach for Israel into Qatari territory.
The absence of Qatari military action, despite having Patriot air defense systems and F-15 fighter
jets, raises further questions about the nature of their relationship with both Hamas and Israel.
The situation also highlights the complexities of U.S. involvement in the region. Trump's
comments suggest a limited role for the U.S. in mediating the conflict, potentially indicating
increased influence of Israeli intelligence within U.S. foreign policy.
Qatar’s cooperation or acquiescence in the strikes, if confirmed, could signal a controversial
alignment under U.S. pressure. Ultimately, the implications of these events could have far-
reaching consequences for Middle Eastern diplomacy and the stability of the region, particularly
regarding the future of Hamas and the relationships among Arab states.

Qatar has described the attacks as acts of "state terrorism"

Donald Trump shared on Truth Social regarding the timeline of events as Israel conducted strikes
against Hamas leaders in Doha earlier today. The assault occurred while Qatar, a primary
mediator between Israel and the United States on one side and Hamas on the other, was
attempting to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza.
Qatar denies White House claims that US informed Doha about Israeli strikes. Qatar's Prime
Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani says his country "reserves the right" to
respond to Israel's "blatant attack", which he calls a "pivotal moment" for the region.
Speaking during a press conference, he says, "There must be a response from the entire region to
such barbaric actions." Al-Thani also states that the US first warned Qatar of the attack 10
minutes after it had already started. On the matter of Gaza, he says "nothing" will deter them
from continuing their mediation in the region, Al Jazeera reported.

Qatar stated that the Israeli attack undermines peace efforts and announced measures to prevent
similar events, according to foreign ministry spokesman Majed al Ansari.

What countries has Israel attacked since October 7?
Aljazeera published an article on this topic on August 01, 2024. Since October 7, Israel has been
involved in over 17,000 military operations in the Middle East. Definitely, the number of attacks
after one more year got doubled.
According to Al Jazeera report, an examination of data from the Armed Conflict Location and
Event Data Project (ACLED) indicates that Israel has been involved in 17,081 incidents,
including air and drone strikes, shelling, missile attacks, and other forms of property destruction
across five nations: Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iran, and the occupied Palestinian territories, since
October 7.

The Gaza Strip has experienced the majority of these incidents, totaling 10,389, which represents
over 60 percent of the total. Lebanon has seen 6,544 attacks (38 percent), followed by Syria with
144 documented incidents. Experts suggest that in the last month, Israel has engaged militarily
with several countries, including Syria, Tunisia, Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen. Recently, operations
were reported in Tunisia, Qatar, the West Bank, Gaza, and Syria.

Some observers express concern about Israel's approach to negotiations and its prevalence of
military action in the region. They encourage nations like Qatar to reassess their alliances and
consider strengthening ties with other powers, which might foster a more balanced regional
approach.

U.S. President Donald Trump previously assured Qatar that instances such as an attack on its
territory would not be repeated, while also emphasizing the importance of addressing Hamas as a
significant objective. Hamas has publicly acknowledged the loss of five members in recent
strikes, including a notable negotiator's son. This marks the first instance of Israeli operations on
Qatari soil, particularly significant given the ongoing ceasefire discussions mediated by the
Qatari government.

The role of the United States in these developments has been a topic of discussion, with many
experts asserting that it extends beyond just support for Israel to encompass various regional
dynamics. Observers believe it may be advantageous for Arab nations to reconsider their
relations with Israel to promote a unified stance against ongoing hostilities.
There is also a sentiment that calls for accountability with respect to international law violations
linked to military actions in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Iran, and Doha. U.S. military officials have
acknowledged the country’s involvement in supporting Israel. Critics highlight a pattern of U.S.
administrations, both Republican and Democratic, remaining closely aligned with Israeli
interests. Many analysts speculate that this trajectory may present challenges for U.S. foreign
policy moving forward.
The attack aimed at Hamas headquarters has drawn widespread condemnation from international
leaders, including UN Secretary General António Guterres, who expressed concern over the
potential impact on peace negotiations aimed at resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

Henry Kissinger once remarked, "It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be
America's friend is fatal," suggesting a need for Arab nations to reassess their alliances and
utilize their resources for greater independence.

The United States has increasingly transformed into a powerful instrument for right-wing,
aggressive politicians in Israel, shaping and manipulating the dynamics of the Middle East. This
shift raises questions about influence, control, and the ongoing struggles in the region.

Dr. Pamelia Riviere is a freelance writer and analyst.