An Israeli attack in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday targeted Khalil al-Hayya, a top Hamas leader. The attack’s objective was to eliminate al-Hayya, who is essential in determining Hamas’s strategic and political direction. Israeli officials confirmed al-Hayya and other leaders were targeted, but the Hamas team engaged in negotiations in Doha survived the attack.
Al-Hayya’s responsibilities have expanded since the deaths of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. He is now a central figure in the five-member leadership council formed by the organization. Today, he is considered the most influential leader in Hamas, representing the organization globally. Born in the Gaza Strip in 1960, Khalil al-Hayya’s life has been marked by hardship. He has experienced the loss of loved ones in Israeli attacks, including his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. His family was deeply affected by the 2007 and 2014 Gaza wars. Al-Hayya was detained multiple times by Israeli security forces.