Satellite images captured by Planet Labs on 10/9 show the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, on the previous day. The strike targeted a Hamas compound where the group's political leaders were meeting to discuss a US-proposed ceasefire for the Gaza Strip.

The compound, consisting of 5 buildings at the center of the image, appears to have sustained significant damage, particularly to the structure in the lower right corner. Other areas within the compound were also affected, including a small structure near a swimming pool that was destroyed.

Remarkably, the strike caused almost no damage to surrounding structures, even those immediately adjacent to the right, indicating a high degree of precision.

Israeli F-35I fighter jets during a 2021 military exercise. Image: Times of Israel

Satellite images of the Hamas compound (circled) in Doha on 24/1 and 10/9. Image: Planet Labs

The type of weaponry used in the attack remains unclear. Israeli media, citing anonymous officials, reported that 15 Israeli fighter jets launched a total of 10 precision missiles at the Hamas compound in Doha.

Both Qatar and the US forces stationed there possess advanced air defense systems and sensors capable of detecting most incoming attacks.

It is unknown why these systems did not attempt to intercept the Israeli missiles, especially given the likelihood that the Israeli jets launched their attack from a considerable distance, affording Qatar's air defenses ample time to react. Tel Aviv's F-15 and F-16 fighter jets are capable of launching munitions from hundreds of kilometers away with high accuracy.

However, the possibility that Israel deployed F-35 stealth fighters, which could approach the target more closely, cannot be ruled out.

Axios, quoting anonymous US officials, reported that the US military detected Israeli fighter jets moving east toward the Persian Gulf but had little time to react. “Washington requested an explanation, but by the time Tel Aviv responded, the missiles had been launched,” three officials said.

US President Donald Trump stated that immediately after being informed of the Israeli operation by the US military, he instructed special envoy Steve Witkoff to notify Qatar, "but it was too late to prevent the attack".

Qatari officials only learned of the Israeli action after the strike had occurred. Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated they received information from the US only after the explosions in Doha. He did not explain why the country's air defenses were not activated.

Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani revealed that Doha's radar failed to detect the Israeli fighter jets.

Israeli F-35I fighter jets during a 2021 military exercise. Image: Times of Israel

Israel stated the operation was "self-initiated and executed" in response to the Jerusalem shooting that killed 6 people on 8/9 and a coordinated Hamas attack in late 2023.

Hamas confirmed its leadership survived the attack, but 6 others were killed, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya, the acting head of Hamas' political wing and a key member of the negotiating team, along with his chief of staff and 3 other members.

The remaining victim was a Qatari security officer, according to local media. The United Nations, Qatar, and several other countries condemned the Israeli strike.

Pham Giang (According to War Zone, AFP, Reuters)