On Tuesday afternoon, the Israeli air force conducted a sudden strike on a residential building in Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders. The attack has drawn widespread attention and concern. Initial reports indicated that the four senior Hamas officials were unharmed, although several lower-level aides were killed. The officials were reportedly in Doha to discuss a response to recent ceasefire proposals from the United States and Israel.

The timing of the strike raised eyebrows, as it appeared to jeopardize delicate negotiations. Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed outrage over the attack, stating that Qatar would cease its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas. For the past two years, Qatar has served as a key intermediary, maintaining a unique relationship with both the U.S. and Hamas.

Qatar's support for various Islamist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, has been a point of contention. Despite hosting Hamas leaders in luxury for years, the source of their wealth remains unclear, while the Palestinian people they claim to represent continue to suffer under Hamas rule.

Qatar has held significant influence over Hamas, with the ability to pressure the group to release hostages and cease hostilities. However, the ongoing stalemate has persisted. Following the airstrike, Al Thani reportedly conveyed to U.S. officials that he viewed the attack as a betrayal by both Israel and the U.S. This incident could have serious implications for Israel's relations with the U.S. and other Western nations, including Canada.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that Canada is currently "evaluating (its) relationship with Israel," following previous sharp criticisms directed at Israel by Prime Minister Carney. This statement has raised concerns about the future of Canada-Israel relations.

In a further sign of tension, Al Thani informed White House envoy Steve Witkoff that Qatar would conduct a "deep evaluation" of its security partnership with the U.S., suggesting it may seek alternative security alliances. Qatar hosts the largest American military base in the Middle East, receiving security guarantees from the U.S. in return.

Qatar's support for extremist groups has strained its relations with neighboring countries, making its reliance on U.S. security crucial. Reports indicate that Israel informed the White House of the impending strike just minutes before it occurred, placing the U.S. in a difficult position.

Israeli media later revealed that the attack was based on the cell phone signals of the Hamas leaders. However, the officials had moved to a different room for prayer, complicating the operation. The day before the strike, Hamas claimed responsibility for an attack on a civilian bus near Jerusalem, which resulted in six deaths and multiple injuries. This incident likely influenced Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to target Hamas leadership in Doha, as intelligence assessments view such moments as opportunities for decisive action.

Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer believe that restoring Israel's deterrent capability is essential following the tragic events of October 7, when 1,200 people were killed.