Israel Kills Top Hamas and Allies Leaders in Two Years

Israel has ramped up targeted strikes against senior figures in Hamas and its allied groups since the October 7, 2023, attack that sparked the ongoing Gaza war. Over the past two years, these operations have taken out key leaders across Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, and now Qatar, aiming to weaken militant networks and disrupt their activities.

Latest Strike Hits Hamas in Qatar

On September 10, 2025, Israel carried out a bold airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting a meeting of top Hamas political leaders. The attack focused on officials discussing ceasefire talks, marking a major escalation into a nation that has hosted mediation efforts.

Hamas reported six people died in the strike, but claimed all main targets survived. However, reports from multiple sources indicate significant losses, including Khalil al-Hayya, a key political leader and negotiator, and others like Khaled Meshaal and Zaher Jabarin. This operation shows Israel’s reach extends far beyond Gaza, hitting leaders in safe havens.

Qatar has long provided a base for Hamas exiles, offering financial and political support. The strike raises questions about future diplomacy, as Qatar has played a central role in hostage and truce negotiations.

Key Hamas Officials Taken Out

Since the war began, Israel has eliminated several high-ranking Hamas members through precise airstrikes and operations. These actions have focused on both military and political wings, aiming to dismantle the group’s command structure.

Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ military arm, died in a July 13, 2024, strike in Khan Younis, Gaza. He helped plan the October 7 attack and built up rocket capabilities. Saleh Arouri, a deputy political leader, was killed in a January 2, 2024, drone strike in Beirut, Lebanon. Arouri had orchestrated West Bank attacks for years.

In October 2024, Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ Gaza chief and a mastermind of the 2023 assault, was killed in Gaza. Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau head, met his end in a July 31, 2024, strike in Tehran, Iran. These deaths have left Hamas scrambling to replace experienced figures.

Other notable losses include Marwan Issa, deputy military head, killed in March 2024, and Saeed Atallah, leader of Hamas’ Lebanon military wing, eliminated in an October 5, 2024, airstrike in Tripoli.

Strikes on Allied Groups Expand Reach

Israel’s campaign has not stopped at Hamas. It has targeted leaders from allied militant groups backed by Iran, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and Iranian military officials.

Hezbollah suffered heavy blows in 2024. Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s longtime secretary-general, was killed in a September 2024 airstrike in Beirut. Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, died in a July 30, 2024, strike in the same city. These operations crippled Hezbollah’s leadership and reduced cross-border rocket fire.

In Yemen, an August 28, 2025, IDF strike on Sanaa killed 12 top Houthi officials, including Prime Minister Ahmed al Rahawi and several ministers. This hit came amid Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping in support of Hamas.

Iran has also felt the impact. Strikes in June 2025 reportedly killed senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members involved in nuclear and military programs. These actions highlight Israel’s strategy to counter the broader axis of resistance.

Timeline of Major Assassinations

To understand the scope, here is a timeline of key killings from 2023 to 2025:

This table shows a pattern of increasing boldness, with operations moving from Gaza to regional capitals.

Impact on the Ongoing Conflict

These assassinations have weakened militant groups but also fueled tensions. Hamas and its allies have vowed revenge, leading to spikes in rocket attacks and border clashes. Civilian casualties have risen, with strikes often hitting populated areas.

On the positive side, some experts say the losses have hampered coordination among groups. For instance, Hezbollah’s reduced activity after Nasrallah’s death allowed Israel to focus on Gaza. However, the power vacuum could lead to more radical successors.

The strikes have strained international relations. The Qatar attack drew condemnation from mediators, potentially complicating peace talks. Broader effects include disruptions to global shipping from Houthi responses and heightened risks of wider war with Iran.

• Reduced operational capacity: Groups like Hamas have lost key planners, slowing attack planning.
• Diplomatic fallout: Host nations like Qatar and Iran may rethink support for militants.
• Civilian toll: Many strikes caused collateral deaths, drawing global criticism.
• Strategic gains for Israel: Eliminations have boosted military morale and deterred threats.

As the conflict enters its third year, these actions underscore Israel’s commitment to neutralize threats, but lasting peace remains elusive.

Broader Context and Future Outlook

The killings tie into a larger strategy amid the Israel-Hamas war, which has claimed over 40,000 lives in Gaza alone, according to health officials. Recent events, like the debunking of genocide claims in a 2025 research paper, highlight the heated debates surrounding the conflict.

Looking ahead, analysts predict more targeted operations as Israel pushes for total dismantling of Hamas. With allies like the U.S. providing support, the campaign could expand further. However, calls for ceasefires grow louder from global leaders.

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