Israel illegally attacked sites in Doha targeting senior Hamas leaders including Khalil Al Hayya, officials said. Hamas sources said the ceasefire team in Qatar survived. However, the attack added new strain to mediation efforts and regional diplomacy.
Who is Khalil Al Hayya
Al Hayya, born in Gaza in 1960, is a veteran Hamas figure. Whereas, he rose in influence after the killings of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Yahya Sinwar in Gaza last year.
Additionally, Khalil serves on a five-man leadership council and is seen as the group’s most influential official abroad. Over the years he lost close relatives in repeated Israeli strikes.
Moreover, he left Gaza to handle ties with Arab and Islamic states and has been based in Qatar.
Role in ongoing ceasefire efforts
Al Hayya has led delegations in indirect talks on Gaza ceasefires and prisoner exchanges. He played key role during attempts to end the 2014 war and again in recent efforts.
Over the years Khalil built longstanding links with Iran and works channels across the region. In public remarks he has framed October 7 as a plan to seize soldiers for swaps, a claim Israel rejects as it cites civilian deaths and abductions.
Recent Doha strike came as negotiators weighed new proposals, raising fears that diplomacy could stall.
Reactions from international community
Qatar condemned the attack as a breach of sovereignty. The United Nations secretary general called the strikes a flagrant violation and urged a focus on a lasting ceasefire. The White House also criticized the move.
Regional actors now face higher escalation risk while talks continue under pressure. For Pakistan the development matters for stability, energy routes, and the safety of overseas workers in the Gulf.
Relief agencies warn that every setback at the table increases civilian harm in Gaza and raises cross border tension.
Diplomats say shuttle efforts should continue, but success may depend on quick de-escalation from Israeli military and clear guarantees for negotiators’ safety.
Read more on Israeli aggression: Regional backlash grows as Israeli attacks widens
