US Embassy in Qatar Issues Security Alert After Israeli Airstrike in Doha

The US Embassy in Qatar issued an urgent security alert on Tuesday, urging American citizens to “shelter in place” following an Israeli airstrike that targeted Hamas officials in the Qatari capital, Doha.

In a statement posted on X, the embassy said: “We are aware of reports of missile strikes in Doha. The US Embassy has instituted a shelter-in-place order at its facilities, and we advise all US citizens to remain indoors,” adding that it is closely monitoring the evolving security situation.

The Israeli army confirmed in an official statement that, in coordination with the Shin Bet security service, its forces carried out a “precision strike” against Hamas leadership, holding them directly responsible for the October 7, 2023 attack and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Qatar, for its part, strongly condemned the strike, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing it as a “cowardly attack” that hit residential compounds housing members of Hamas’s political bureau. Spokesman Majed Al Ansari said the assault constituted a flagrant violation of international law and Qatari sovereignty.

The Qatari capital was placed under heightened security, with police cordoning off the affected area. The development comes after Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi vowed to pursue Hamas leaders abroad, stating that “most of the movement’s remaining leadership is outside Gaza, and we will reach them as well.”

Doha has hosted several rounds of mediation between Israel and Hamas in recent months, with US and Egyptian participation, in efforts to reach a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. Hamas had recently signaled readiness to engage in new talks after receiving a US proposal, while US President Donald Trump issued what he called a “final warning” to the group to accept the deal.