Israel launched a series of airstrikes on the Qatari capital of Doha on Tuesday, reportedly targeting senior members of the Hamas leadership, including top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya.
This is an escalation in Israel’s campaign against the militant group, with reports suggesting the operation was conducted after getting a green signal from US President Donald Trump.
According to Al Arabiya, multiple explosions were heard around 4:00pm local time in the upscale Katara District of Doha, where Hamas’s political bureau is based. Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s chief negotiator and one of its most senior political figures, was allegedly killed in the attack.
Who was Khalil al-Hayya?
Born in Gaza in 1960, Khalil al-Hayya became one of Hamas’ most influential leaders. Holding a PhD in Hadith and Sunnah Sciences, he played a central role in both the political and military wings of the organisation. Al-Hayya served as deputy to former Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar and took on a more prominent leadership role following Sinwar’s reported death in late 2024.
Al-Hayya led indirect ceasefire negotiations with Israel in recent months and was considered a key intermediary between Hamas and regional powers including Qatar, Iran, and Turkey. He was also widely believed to have helped plan the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
His leadership was deeply personal; several members of his family were killed in previous Israeli strikes. Despite operating from outside Gaza in recent years, al-Hayya remained a critical figure in Hamas’s political and military strategy.
Go-ahead from Trump?
Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the strike was carried out after receiving approval from US President Donald Trump. The report ndicated that long-time Hamas figure Khaled Mashaal, previously the target of an Israeli assassination attempt in Jordan in 1997, was also present at the meeting.