Multiple explosions shook the Qatari capital today, Sept. 9, 2025, with smoke billowing over the Katara district. The blasts struck during a reported meeting of senior Hamas leaders in the city.
The Israeli occupation army admitted it had carried out a “precise strike” by fighter jets against what it calls “senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization.” The targets include senior Hamas officials who Israel claims “are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre.”
In a statement, released in Arabic by Israeli occupation forces spokesperson Avichay Adraee, Israel alleges that “steps were taken before the strike to avoid harming civilians.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office boasted that the assault “was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” in a statement posted to X.
Al Jazeera quoted a senior Hamas source saying the movement’s negotiating delegation was targeted while meeting in Doha to discuss a ceasefire proposal from US President Donald Trump.
According to Al Jazeera, the gathering included top leaders Khalil Al-Hayya, Zahir Jabarin, and Khaled Meshaal.
Qatar has strongly condemned the attack on a residential area, calling it a “cowardly Israeli attack” and a “blatant violation of all international laws and norms.” The country's foreign ministry stated it will not tolerate this “reckless Israeli behavior” and is conducting an investigation at the highest level.
The attack came days after Trump called on Hamas to release all Israeli captives in exchange for ending the war—an offer Hamas welcomed, saying it was ready to negotiate a ceasefire and demand the withdrawal of occupation forces from Gaza.
Israel estimates Hamas holds 48 Israeli captives in Gaza, including 20 alive, in exchange for more than 10,800 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. Many Palestinian detainees face torture and medical neglect, confirm rights groups.
Trump later sent a proposal to Hamas with five points. First, the release of all captives, alive and dead, within 48 hours of acceptance. In return, Israel would free an unspecified number of Palestinian detainees. Second, a 60-day ceasefire under US mediation.
Third, discussions on disarming Gaza. Fourth, the formation of a new government to run the enclave. Fifth, possible Israeli withdrawal after its installation. The proposal also mentioned an undefined “amnesty” for Hamas members and unrestricted humanitarian aid. It gave no details on who would distribute aid or in what quantity.
