Senior Hamas Official Ghazi Hamad Survives Israeli Airstrike in Qatar

Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad has made his first public appearance since surviving an Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, on September 9, 2025. The attack targeted Hamas leaders during ceasefire negotiations. Hamad confirmed he was present at the site when the strike occurred, stating, "We were discussing a ceasefire proposal, less than an hour after the meeting began, we heard an explosion." He added, "We are experienced in the sounds of missiles and understood it was an Israeli strike. We left the place quickly, and thank God we survived." The airstrike resulted in six fatalities, including a Qatari officer, but all senior Hamas leaders are believed to have survived. Qatar, which has hosted Hamas's political leadership since 2012, condemned the attack as a "flagrant violation of its sovereignty and security." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Qatar to either expel Hamas officials or "bring them to justice, because if you don't, we will." The incident has further strained regional relations and complicated ongoing ceasefire efforts.