Israel conducts airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar
- An airstrike on Hamas leaders in Qatar was executed by Israel on September 8, 2025, following a deadly shooting in Jerusalem.
- The operation, planned for months, received final authorization from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the security cabinet.
- The airstrike aims to deter Hamas's continued planning of attacks against Israel in light of recent violence.
On September 8, 2025, Israel executed a strategic airstrike against prominent Hamas leaders situated in Doha, Qatar, following a deadly shooting attack in Jerusalem that claimed six lives just a day before. The event in Jerusalem initiated a significant response from Israeli authorities, as the security cabinet had secretly approved the airstrike, referred to as Operation Summit of Fire, which was in preparation for two to three months. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the need for immediate action against Hamas leaders, emphasizing their involvement in orchestrating various attacks against Israel, particularly after the tragic assault on October 7. In the lead-up to the strike, intelligence assessments were pivotal in identifying Hamas's leadership and planning the operational assault. The attack aimed to strengthen Israel's defense posture and deter future aggression by Hamas, with fighter jets deployed to deliver a substantial payload to ensure the operation's effectiveness. Post-strike, conflicting reports emerged regarding the fate of the targeted leaders, highlighting ongoing tensions and the unpredictability of the regional situation, as Hamas sources claimed survival while other reports indicated confirmed fatalities.