The Palestinian armed group Hamas has reported that five of its members were killed in an Israeli air strike in Qatar's capital, Doha, stating that an assassination attempt against its negotiating team failed. The team was allegedly meeting to discuss a US ceasefire proposal in a residential compound when the area was hit by explosions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the attack, labeling it fully justified as it targeted senior Hamas leaders associated with the October 7, 2023 assault on Israel that ignited the current conflict. In retaliation, Qatari authorities condemned the Israeli incursion, declaring it a cowardly act and a violation of international law.
The strike is reported to have killed a member of Qatar's Internal Security Force along with the Hamas members, leading to further tensions within the region. The White House remarked that President Trump found the incident unfortunate but emphasized the necessity of neutralizing Hamas.
Local witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions in Doha's northern Katara district, targeting residential buildings housing Hamas leaders. Israeli sources indicated that the operation utilized 15 fighter jets to conduct a coordinated strike on specified targets.
The repercussions of this attack are expected to escalate the ongoing conflict, as both Hamas and Israeli officials exchange severe condemnations. Hamas denounced the strike as a heinous crime and held the US partly responsible due to its backing of Israel's military actions.
Internationally, condemnation of the attack has been widespread, with various countries and the UN Secretary-General expressing concern over the potential for increased regional instability. As negotiations for a ceasefire appear to be jeopardized, anxiety mounts for the families of hostages believed to remain in Gaza, amplifying the desperation amidst the rising conflict.
