Strike on the Qatari Capital
Hamas’s senior leadership is understood to have survived an Israeli strike in Doha, but the son of exiled Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya was killed, Sky News understands.
The development comes as Israel intensifies its campaign against the militant group’s overseas leadership, following months of targeted operations.
Who Is Khalil Al-Hayya?
Al-Hayya is Hamas’s top negotiator and one of the most influential figures abroad since the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in July 2024.
He sits on the group’s five-member leadership council, which has guided Hamas since the death of Yahya Sinwar in October last year.
Foto: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa / REUTERS
Previous Family Losses
The latest strike is not the first time Al-Hayya’s family has been directly affected by the conflict.
In 2007, an Israeli air raid destroyed his family home in Gaza City’s Sejaiyeh neighbourhood, killing several relatives.
During the 2014 war, his eldest son, Osam,a was killed alongside his wife and three of their children when their home was bombed.
Symbolic Target
Analysts say that striking Al-Hayya’s family members underscores Israel’s intent to apply pressure on Hamas’s leadership structure, even if senior commanders themselves escape the attacks.
The death of his son is likely to fuel further anger among Hamas supporters while rallying sympathy for the group across the region.
Broader Leadership Context
Israel has systematically targeted Hamas’s leadership since the October 7 attacks.
The assassinations of Haniyeh and Sinwar left Al-Hayya among the most prominent surviving figures directing the group’s external and political strategy.
Regional Implications
Doha has long served as a base for Hamas officials in exile.
Strikes in Qatar mark a significant escalation, raising concerns about how far Israel is willing to pursue Hamas leaders beyond Gaza and the region.
Next Steps
While Hamas has not issued a detailed statement on the strike, sources close to the group insist its leadership remains intact.
Israel has not publicly confirmed the details of the Doha attack.
