An Israeli attack in Doha, Qatar, targeted senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya on Tuesday. The attack aimed at eliminating al-Hayya, a key figure in shaping the organization’s strategic and political direction. Israeli officials confirmed that al-Hayya and other prominent leaders were targeted. However, the Hamas team involved in negotiations in Doha survived the attack.
Al-Hayya’s responsibilities increased after the deaths of top Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar last year. The organization subsequently formed a five-member leadership council, where al-Hayya holds a prominent position. He is currently considered the most influential leader in Hamas, representing the organization on the international stage. Born in the Gaza Strip in 1960, Khalil al-Hayya has endured significant personal hardship. He lost family members in Israeli attacks, including his son Osama, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. His family suffered greatly during the 2007 and 2014 Gaza wars. Al-Hayya has been detained by Israeli security forces on multiple occasions.
