On September 9, 2025, Israel conducted a targeted airstrike on a Hamas leadership compound in Doha, Qatar, reportedly targeting Khalil al-Hayya a senior Hamas official. This strike took place near Legtaifiya petrol station and resulted in explosions and black smoke enveloping the area; initial reports suggested al-Hayya was one of those targeted, though subsequent information suggests otherwise; two sources confirmed to us that other members of his delegation were killed as confirmed by two separate sources.
Khalil al-Hayya was born November 5, 1960 in Gaza City and has since 1987 been one of the key figures within Hamas. He holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from the University of the Holy Quran and Islamic Sciences and has been involved with Hamas’ political activities for decades. Al-Hayya has held various posts throughout her career, from membership on the Palestinian Legislative Council since 2006 and acting as deputy chairman of Hamas Political Bureau from August-2024. After Yahya Sinwar died in October 2024, al-Hayya became part of a five-member leadership council tasked with steering Hamas activities. Additionally, he is part of the Hamas temporary committee established in July 2024 in order to facilitate decision making during exceptional circumstances.
Role in Ceasefire Negotiations
Al-Hayya has played an instrumental role in Hamas’ negotiations with Israel, particularly regarding ceasefire agreements and hostage exchanges. He has represented Hamas before various international mediators including Qatar and Egypt and has led efforts to broker several truces between Hamas and Israel including those to end 2014 conflict as well as attempts at ending current Gaza war – his participation has cemented his reputation as one of Hamas’s leading figures abroad.
Personal Losses and Family Tragedies
Al-Hayya has suffered greatly in his tenure with Hamas. An Israeli airstrike struck against his home in Gaza City’s Sejaiyeh quarter in 2007, killing numerous members of his family. Furthermore, during 2014’s war between Hamas and Israel his eldest son Osama’s house was bombed; three members of Osama’s household died, as did three children born after them (all without his presence during these attacks). These tragedies show the personal cost he pays in being part of an ongoing conflict he does not fully control.
Implications of Israel’s Strike
Israel’s airstrike on Hamas leadership compound in Doha marked an escalation in conflict and marked the first time they conducted such an operation in Qatar, sparking widespread condemnation by Qatar – who have been mediating ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel – who called this attack a “cowardly criminal assault” and violation of all international laws and norms; Qatar has labeled this strike “cowardly criminal assault”, raising concerns over potential derailment of ongoing peace negotiations as well as implications for regional stability.
Khalil al-Hayya’s role as a senior Hamas leader and key negotiator have made him an instrumental figure in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel’s recent strike against Hamas leadership compounds in Doha underlines its high stakes nature and presents unique challenges when it comes to reaching lasting peace agreements. While developments unfold, international communities continue to monitor both potential impacts on regional dynamics as well as potential diplomatic solutions.