An audacious Israeli airstrike targeting senior Hamas leadership in Doha has sparked questions about Qatar’s role. Since hosting Hamas's political office since 2012, Qatar has also served as mediator between Hamas and Israel. 

Analysts propose three main theories: First, that Qatar grew frustrated with Hamas for dragging peace deal negotiations, becoming more of a burden than a leverage point in geopolitical diplomacy. Second, logistical complexity of the strike hitting a residential building in a high-security Doha neighbourhood, with proximity to foreign embassies and a major U.S. base suggests possible tacit approval or, at least, turning a blind eye. Third, Qatar’s restrained public reaction no urgent emergency meetings, strong condemnation yet continuing to position itself as peace broker fuels speculation that the country may have had inside knowledge or agreement.

Together, these theories suggest overlapping interests among Qatar, Israel, and the U.S.: ending Hamas's influence, pushing for a peace deal, or redefining regional alliances. While no definitive proof has emerged, many observers see Doha’s posture before and after the strike as indicative of a much more complex diplomatic alignment than previously understood.