Hamas announced on 10/9 that its senior political leaders survived an Israeli airstrike the previous day. The strike targeted a building in Doha, Qatar, where the leaders were meeting to discuss a US-proposed ceasefire for the Gaza Strip.

Citing unnamed sources, the Saudi Arabian newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the Hamas leaders escaped death by leaving the meeting room for prayers in another part of the building just before the Israeli missiles hit. They left their phones, which Israeli intelligence was reportedly tracking, on the meeting table. This led Israeli intelligence to believe they were still in the meeting room, resulting in the mistimed airstrike, according to Israel's Keshet 12.

The scene of the Israeli strike on the building in Doha, Qatar, believed to be the site of the Hamas leaders' meeting on 9/9. Photo: Reuters

The scene of the Israeli strike on the building in Doha, Qatar, believed to be the site of the Hamas leaders' meeting on 9/9. Photo: Reuters

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency launched Operation "Shield and Arrow" on 9/9, targeting the Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar. Precision-guided missiles were used to minimize civilian casualties.

The IDF and Shin Bet haven't specified how they identified the targets. Israeli intelligence possesses advanced tracking and location technology, including phone signal tracking.

Initial Saudi media reports claimed that Hamas deputy leader Khalil al-Hayya, along with senior officials Zaher Jabarin, Khaled Mashaal, and Nizar Awadallah, were killed in the strike. However, Arab media outlets stated the next day that this was unlikely.

Hamas denied reports that its political leadership was eliminated in the attack, but acknowledged the deaths of five other members: al-Hayya's son, three bodyguards, and his chief of staff.

Location of the strike in Doha and Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base. Graphic: Telegraph

Location of the strike in Doha and Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base. Graphic: Telegraph

While initially confident, Israeli intelligence officials are now increasingly doubtful about the strike's success. Keshet 12 quoted a senior government official saying, "There is currently no indication that the targets were eliminated." Two Israeli officials told ABC that Tel Aviv informed Washington that the "likelihood of the strike's success had significantly decreased."

Thanh Danh (Israel Hayom, Telegraph, ABC)