US president Donald Trump has said Israel’s “unfortunate” airstrike on Qatar does not advance the goals of either Israel or America.
“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a Sovereign Nation and close Ally of the United States, that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker Peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Hamas said five of its lower-ranking members and a Qatari security official were killed in the airstrike in Doha, but that all its leaders survived the attack.
The group on Monday admitted being behind a gun attack in Jerusalem that killed six people.
Hamas's exiled leadership has long been based in Qatar, which has served as a mediator in talks between Hamas and Israel, even before the latest war in the Gaza Strip. A strike on its leadership could further complicate negotiations over a ceasefire and the release of hostages taken in Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the action was a wholly independent Israeli operation and had been “entirely justified”.
Israel strike Hamas in Qatar: Key points
- 'Unfortunate' strike does not advance Israel's goals, says Trump
- Five Hamas members killed in Qatar strike
- Watch: Trump insists he warned Qatar
- IDF says it targeted leadership in 'precise strike'
- Qatar condemns 'cowardly Israeli attack'
UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting today
04:06 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting today in response to Israel's strikes targeting Hamas officials in Qatar.
The meeting was requested by Algeria and Pakistan, among other nations, AFP news agency reported.
Qatari investigation under way 'at highest level'
04:04 , Jane DaltonQatar has told the UN Security Council that investigations into the airstrike are under way “at the highest level”.
It said it would not “tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the ongoing disruption of regional security”, ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani wrote.
“The State of Qatar strongly condemns this cowardly criminal assault, which constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms,” she said.
Trump gently rebukes Israel for striking US ally in zeal to get Hamas
03:50 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarDonald Trump told the media that he was “not thrilled” and “very unhappy” after Israel’s strike targeting Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, but offered only mild condemnation of the attack itself as the United Nations called it a “flagrant” violation of international law.
Israel confirmed that it struck a target in Doha on Tuesday in an effort to kill Hamas negotiators and leaders. Initial statements from Hamas indicated that only junior members of the militant group were killed.
The president made his first on-camera remarks about the strike during a gaggle with members of the White House press pool Tuesday evening as he stepped into a swanky D.C. eatery, Joe’s Stone Crab. He’d previously issued a statement on Truth Social, and told reporters that more complete remarks would come on Wednesday.
More here.
Trump gently rebukes Israel for striking US ally in zeal to get Hamas
Analysis: Middle East is on brink of abyss
03:03 , Jane Dalton
Israel just bombed Doha. The Middle East is on the brink of an abyss
Airstrike breaches international law – EU
02:02 , Jane DaltonThe European Union has said the attack on Doha might lead to more conflict, in one of the strongest statements to date on from the bloc.
"Today's airstrike by Israel against Hamas leaders in Doha breaches international law and Qatar's territorial integrity, and risks a further escalation of violence in the region," said Anouar El Anouni, a spokesperson for the European Commission.
The EU has been riven by deep disagreements over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Mass protests have rocked European cities from Amsterdam to Barcelona calling for a ceasefire.
We express full solidarity with the authorities and the people of Qatar, a strategic partner of the EU.
— Anouar El Anouni 🇪🇺 (@AnouarEUspox) September 9, 2025
Any escalation of the war in Gaza must be avoided - it is in no one’s interest. We will continue to support all efforts towards a ceasefire in Gaza.
Who is Khalil Al-Hayya? The top Hamas figure targeted
01:06 , Jane Dalton
Who is Khalil Al-Hayya? The top Hamas figure targeted by Israel
Qatar condemns Israel’s ‘cowardly attack’ – full report
Wednesday 10 September 2025 00:05 , Jane Dalton
Qatar condemns ‘criminal assault’ after Israel strikes senior Hamas leaders in Doha
Houthis blame US and Israel
Tuesday 9 September 2025 23:05 , Jane DaltonThe Houthis in Yemen blamed Israel and the US for the Doha attack.
Mohammed al-frah, a member of the Houthis' political office, said Israel and the United States were fully responsible.
"This cowardly operation was nothing but a deliberate assassination attempt against the negotiating delegation, a despicable effort to eliminate any prospect for peace, and an execution of any diplomatic hope in the region," he said.
Lebanon accuses Netanyahu of trying to destabilise region
Tuesday 9 September 2025 22:10 , Jane DaltonLebanon called Israel’s attack an attempt to further destabilise the Middle East.
President Joseph Aoun said the strikes were "part of a series of attacks committed by Israel, demonstrating its insistence on undermining all efforts made to achieve stability and security in the countries of the region and the safety of its people."
Hezbollah frees hostage
Tuesday 9 September 2025 21:50 , Jane DaltonHezbollah has freed a hostage who was held in Iraq, President Trump has announced.
Elizabeth Tsurkov, a 38-year-old graduate student was kidnapped in 2023 while doing research in Iraq.
Mr Trump wrote: “I am pleased to report that Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton Student, whose sister is an American Citizen, was just released by Kata’ib Hezbollah (MILITANT Hezbollah), and is now safely in the American Embassy in Iraq after being tortured for many months.
“I will always fight for JUSTICE, and never give up. HAMAS, RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, NOW!”
'Unfortunate' strike does not advance Israel's goals – Trump
Tuesday 9 September 2025 21:33 , Jane DaltonUS president Donald Trump has said the “unfortunate” airstrike does not advance the goals of Israel or America.
He said he did not make the decision to carry out the attack, but also said he assured Qatar that such a thing would not happen again on its soil.
“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a Sovereign Nation and close Ally of the United States, that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker Peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” he wrote on Truth Social.
“However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.
“I immediately directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did, however, unfortunately, too late to stop the attack.”
Mr Trump said he viewed Qatar as a strong ally and he felt very badly about the location of the attack.
Pope says we must insist on end to fighting
Tuesday 9 September 2025 21:21 , Jane DaltonThe Pope has called the Israeli attack “really serious".
“We have to pray a lot and continue to work and try to insist on an end to the hostilities,” Pope Leo XIV told Italy's RAI television.
"The whole situation is really serious," Leo said.
Leo and the Vatican's top diplomats met Israeli president Isaac Herzog last week, when he called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and entry of humanitarian aid to famine-stricken Palestinians there.
The Vatican told Herzog a two-state solution was the "only way out of the war," according to a Vatican statement at the time.
Pictured: Explosion caught on CCTV
Tuesday 9 September 2025 20:46 , Jane DaltonCCTV captured the moment of the explosion in Doha:
Gulf states slam Doha attack
Tuesday 9 September 2025 20:18 , Jane DaltonGulf states condemned Israel’s attack on Doha.
The United Arab Emirates, which normalised relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords in 2020, branded the attack "blatant and cowardly".
Abu Dhabi was already angry over an Israeli minister's plan for annexation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, saying that was a red line that cannot be crossed.
Regional power Saudi Arabia denounced what it called a "brutal Israeli aggression" against Qatar's sovereignty.
Egypt said the attack set a dangerous precedent.
#Statement | The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces, in the strongest possible terms, the brutal Israeli aggression and the blatant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar. The Kingdom affirms its full solidarity and support for Qatar, placing all its… pic.twitter.com/60BDTH0Flp
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) September 9, 2025
Hamas: US 'jointly responsible for airstrike'
Tuesday 9 September 2025 19:42 , Jane DaltonHamas said it held the US administration “jointly responsible with the occupation” for the attack due to its “constant support for the aggression and the occupation’s crimes against our people”.
The terrorist organisation said those killed were the director of the office of senior Hamas figure Khalil Al-Hayya, Dr Al-Hayya’s son, three security escorts and a Qatari security officer.
“These terrorist crimes will not undermine the determination of our Movement and its leadership,” Hamas said.
Hamas accuses Israel of sabotaging peace efforts and failing hostages
Tuesday 9 September 2025 19:34 , Jane DaltonHamas has claimed Israel’s airstrike “confirms beyond any doubt that [Benjamin] Netanyahu and his government do not want to reach any agreement and are deliberately seeking to fail all opportunities and international efforts, disregarding the lives of their prisoners”.
The terrorist group attacked what it termed the “treacherous attempt to assassinate the Hamas movement's negotiating delegation”, branding it a “horrific crime, a blatant act of aggression, and a flagrant violation of all international norms and laws”.
Watch: Trump insists he warned Qatar
Tuesday 9 September 2025 19:26 , Jane DaltonUS President Donald Trump claims his envoy Steve Witkoff warned the Qataris of the impending attack:
Qatar denies having warning of attack
Tuesday 9 September 2025 19:19 , Jane DaltonQatar insists it knew nothing about the airstrike in advance.
“Statements being circulated about Qatar being informed of the attack in advance are baseless,” wrote foreign affairs spokesman Majed al-Ansari.
“The communication received from one of the American officials came during the sound of explosions resulting from the Israeli attack in Doha.”
No 10 warns against more violence
Tuesday 9 September 2025 19:16 , Jane DaltonDowning Street has warned against a further escalation in violence following Israel's strike.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said: "You'll appreciate these are emerging reports. We are monitoring those as more details emerge.
"We've been clear that Hamas are a vile terrorist organisation responsible for an abhorrent attack on Israel on October 7, but we do not want to see a further escalation in violence which risks further destabilisation in the region.
"Our overarching priority is to see an end to the horrific suffering in Gaza, starting with an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid, leading to ... peace for Israelis and Palestinians, peace in the wider region."
Sir Keir and Israeli president Isaac Herzog are due to meet this week.
Strikes violate Qatari sovereignty, says UN chief
Tuesday 9 September 2025 18:59 , Jane DaltonUnited Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday condemned Israel’s strikes as a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar”.
He said Qatar had been playing a very positive role to try to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
“All parties must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not destroying it," Mr Guterres said.
Five Hamas members killed in Qatar strike
Tuesday 9 September 2025 18:51 , Bryony GoochHamas has said five of its members were killed in the strike on Doha, including senior politician Dr. Khalil Al-Hayya’s son Hammam Al-Hayya.
None of its negotiating delegation were killed in the strike on Qatar’s capital, the terrorist organisation said.
Starmer condemns Israeli attack on Qatar
Tuesday 9 September 2025 18:43 , Bryony GoochUK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Israel’s attacks on Doha, calling for an “immediate ceasefire.”
He said on X: “I condemn Israel’s strikes on Doha, which violate Qatar’s sovereignty and risk further escalation across the region.
“The priority must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a huge surge in aid into Gaza. This is the only solution towards long-lasting peace.”
I condemn Israel’s strikes on Doha, which violate Qatar’s sovereignty and risk further escalation across the region.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 9, 2025
The priority must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a huge surge in aid into Gaza.
This is the only solution towards long-lasting peace.
Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu takes ‘full responsibility’ for Qatar airstrike
Tuesday 9 September 2025 18:31 , Bryony GoochQatar condemns ‘cowardly attack’
Tuesday 9 September 2025 18:26 , Jane DaltonQatar condemns ‘criminal assault’ after Israel strikes senior Hamas leaders in Doha
Mapped: Countries Israel has attacked since Hamas massacre
Tuesday 9 September 2025 18:12 , Jane Dalton
Mapped: All the countries Israel has attacked in the Middle East since October 7
One member of Qatar security forces killed in Israeli attack on Doha
Tuesday 9 September 2025 18:07 , Bryony GoochOne member of Qatar's internal security forces was killed and others were injured in Israel's attack on Doha on Tuesday, Qatar's interior ministry said in a statement.
Corporal Bader Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi Al-Dosari, a member of the Internal Security Force, was killed in the attack, according to a statement from the ministry on X.
Analysis: Israel just bombed Doha. The Middle East is on the brink of an abyss
Tuesday 9 September 2025 17:59 , Bryony GoochThese strikes set Israel firmly against Qatar and make Doha - once a main meeting point and venue for truce negotiations - now a new theatre of war in the Gaza conflict, writes chief international correspondent Bel Trew.
Israel just bombed Doha. The Middle East is on the brink of an abyss
Attack entirely justified, says Netanyahu
Tuesday 9 September 2025 17:56 , Jane DaltonIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Doha attack was "entirely justified" and was ordered after Monday's Jerusalem attack and the loss of four Israeli soldiers in Gaza.
I won't let terror leaders be immune, Netanyahu vows
Tuesday 9 September 2025 17:55 , Jane DaltonIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the days when "terrorist" leaders were immune anywhere were over, hours after the Doha attack.
"The days are over when terror leaders can enjoy immunity of any kind ... I won't allow that kind of immunity to exist," he said in a televised address.
Spain bans two Israeli ministers and bans army fuel ships
Tuesday 9 September 2025 17:45 , Jane DaltonSpain's government is barring Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had called Israel's attacks in Gaza an "extermination of a defenceless people".
Israel banned the entrance of two of Spain's ministers in response to that speech.
Mr Sanchez also announced he was formalising an arms embargo on Israel and prohibiting ships carrying fuel for Israel's armed forces from using Spanish ports.
UK PM set to meet Israeli president
Tuesday 9 September 2025 17:16 , Jane DaltonThe UK said it had no advance knowledge of Israel's strike on Doha.
When asked whether the British government had been told, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman Dave Pares pointed to a statement by Israel's prime minister saying the attack was a solely an Israeli operation.
Mr Pares branded Hamas "a vile terrorist organization”, but did not directly criticize the Israeli attack.
"We do not want to see a further escalation in violence which risks further destabilization in the region. Our overarching priority is to see an end to the horrific suffering in Gaza," he said.
Sir Keir is scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday.
Mr Pares said the British leader would use the meeting to "raise the intolerable situation in Gaza and the action Israel must take to end the horrific suffering."
‘Colleagues are killed on live TV. The world does nothing’: Reporting from Gaza
Tuesday 9 September 2025 16:58 , Jane Dalton
Inside Al Jazeera’s Wael al-Dahdouh’s life reporting from Gaza
Turkey slams attack as 'barbaric'
Tuesday 9 September 2025 16:45 , Jane DaltonThe Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes, describing them as "evidence of Israel's expansionist policies and its adoption of terrorism of state strategy".
The ministry expressed Turkey's solidarity with Qatar and renewed a call on the international community to exert pressure to halt Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories and the wider region.
Omer Celik, spokesman for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, described the attack as a "barbaric act of terrorism".
Israel links Doha attack to Jerusalem shootings
Tuesday 9 September 2025 16:30 , Jane DaltonIsrael’s defence ministry appears to be connecting Monday’s Jerusalem fatal shootings with today’s Doha attack.
It said: “Yesterday, after the murderous attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza, Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed all security agencies to prepare for the possibility of thwarting the leaders of Hamas.
“The defence minister fully supported this proposal. This afternoon, in light of an operational opportunity, and in consultation with all heads of the defence establishment and with full backing, the Prime Minister and the defence minister decided to carry out the instruction given last night to the IDF and the Shin Bet, and they did so in a precise and optimal manner.
“The Prime Minister and the defence minister believed that the action was completely justified in light of the fact that this Hamas leadership was the one who initiated and organized the October 7 massacre, and has not stopped launching murderous actions against the State of Israel and its citizens since then, including taking responsibility for the murder of our citizens in yesterday’s attack in Jerusalem.”
Hamas negotiators 'survive'
Tuesday 9 September 2025 16:20 , Jane DaltonTwo Hamas sources have told Reuters that Hamas officials in the ceasefire negotiating team survived Israel’s attack.
Israeli officials said the strike was aimed at top Hamas leaders including Khalil al-Hayya, its exiled Gaza chief and top negotiator.
Hostages face greater risk of brutality and death, warn families
Tuesday 9 September 2025 16:07 , Jane DaltonThe families of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas have warned the Qatar strike puts their lives at even greater risk.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters said they were following developments in Doha with deep concern and heavy anxiety.
“A grave fear now hangs over the price that the hostages may pay,” they said.
“We know from the survivors who have returned that the revenge directed at the hostages is brutal.
“The chance of bringing them back now faces greater uncertainty than ever before, with one thing of absolute certainty - their time is running out.
“The price for the 48 hostages could be unbearable. The living hostages could be murdered at any moment and the deceased could disappear for ever.
“The time has come to end the war. We demand that the Israeli government present us with an organised plan for a comprehensive agreement to return all 48 hostages.”
Which countries has Israel attacked since October 2023?
Tuesday 9 September 2025 16:06 , Jane DaltonIn pictures: Smoke over Doha
Tuesday 9 September 2025 16:01 , Jane Dalton
Top Hamas leader's office reportedly attacked
Tuesday 9 September 2025 15:49 , Jane DaltonThe Qatari Al-Arabi channel says the building that was attacked was the office of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, writes Bel Trew.
According to many reports, al-Hayya was killed in the attack.
Other reports listed other senior Hamas leaders who may have been in the building that was attacked: Zaher Jabarin, Khaled Mashaal, Muhammad Darwish, and Musa Abu Marzouk.
We take full responsibility, says Netanyahu
Tuesday 9 September 2025 15:40 , Jane DaltonIsrael takes full responsibility, the country’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says.
His office said: “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.”
Smoke rises above Qatar
Tuesday 9 September 2025 15:34 , Jane DaltonBlack smoke rose over the skyline of the Qatari capital, Doha, and authorities there acknowledged the strike.
It was not immediately clear if anyone was hurt.
It’s the second time the energy-rich nation has been directly attacked in the nearly two years of war.
Pictures: Damage to building in Doha after Israeli strike
Tuesday 9 September 2025 15:07 , Taz Ali
Trump ‘gave green light to attack’: Israeli media
Tuesday 9 September 2025 14:58 , Taz AliUS president Donald Trump gave the green light for the Israeli strike in Qatar, a Israeli official told Israel’s Channel 12.
Trump has not publicly commented on the Doha attack.
US citizens given shelter in place warning
Tuesday 9 September 2025 14:53 , Sam RkainaThe US Embassy in Qatar has issued a warning for its citizens currently in Doha, following the missile strike.
“We have seen reports of missile strikes occurring in Doha,” the statement on X read.
“The U.S. Embassy has instituted a shelter-in-place order for their facilities.
“U.S. citizens are advised to shelter-in-place and monitor @USEmbassyDoha social media for updates.”
Qatar issues statement on X
Tuesday 9 September 2025 14:48 , Taz AliThe State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha. This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms,…
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) September 9, 2025
Qatar condemns 'cowardly Israeli attack'
Tuesday 9 September 2025 14:47 , Taz AliQatar has condemned what it described as a “cowardly Israeli attack” after multiple explosions were heard in the capital Doha.
The attack targeted residential buildings housing several political leaders of the Hamas group, said Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry.
“ This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar,” he said in a statement posted on X.
IDF confirms it targeted Hamas leaders in 'precise strike'
Tuesday 9 September 2025 14:37 , Taz AliThe IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 9, 2025
For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization's operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and…
Israel says it has struck Hamas leaders in Qatar
Tuesday 9 September 2025 14:31 , Daniel KeaneIsrael's military said that it carried out an airstrike targeting Hamas leadership, without saying where.
The announcement came as an explosion could be heard in Doha, Qatar's capital.
Al Jazeera, the Qatar-funded broadcaster, acknowledged the blasts. However, it did not say what caused them.
