In a dramatic escalation, Qatari Air Force F-15QA fighters were conducting an aerial patrol over Qatari territory approximately 20 minutes ago, accompanied by American and British aerial refueling aircraft, coinciding with a reported Israeli airstrike on Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. The development has sparked intense speculation about regional coordination amid rising tensions.
According to posts found on X and reports from the Hebrew newspaper Israel Hayom, Israel notified both the United States and Qatari authorities prior to the attack. This suggests that Qatar may have been aware of the impending strike, potentially preparing a condemnation statement in advance. The Israel Hayom claim aligns with an earlier statement from an Israeli official to the Associated Press, confirming the military’s targeting of Hamas leadership in Qatar’s capital.
The Qatari Emiri Air Force’s F-15QA jets, known for their advanced capabilities and recent participation in joint exercises with Israel, were airborne during the incident, raising questions about the nature of the patrol.
Information from web sources, including militarywatchmagazine.com, notes Qatar’s strategic military ties with the U.S. and its F-15QA fleet’s role in regional security, though no official statement from Qatar has yet confirmed the patrol’s purpose.
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Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, as reported by the Associated Press, has condemned the strike as a “cowardly Israeli attack,” labeling it a violation of international norms. The simultaneous military activity and alleged prior notification highlight a complex interplay of diplomacy and defense in the region, though details remain unverified pending official responses from all parties involved.
