DOHA — Israel conducted an airstrike in Qatar’s capital on Tuesday, killing five Hamas members, including the son of senior negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, in a residential area used by the group’s political bureau.
Hamas stated that the attack targeted its negotiating team, which was discussing the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza. The group claimed the assassination attempt on its senior members “failed,” although five were confirmed dead.
Qatari authorities condemned the airstrike, calling it a “cowardly” attack and a “flagrant violation of international law.” The Gulf state reported that one member of its Internal Security Force was killed, with others injured. Hamas casualties were not detailed in the Qatari statement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike as “fully justified,” saying it targeted senior Hamas leaders responsible for organising the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel that triggered the ongoing Gaza war.
Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that security forces had prepared for the operation following recent deadly attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security service said the strike was “precise,” involving 15 fighter jets and 10 munitions aimed at a single target.
Israeli media reported the operation hit residential buildings housing members of Hamas’ political bureau, including chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and West Bank leader Zaher Jabarin.
Hamas denounced the airstrike as “a heinous crime” and accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging peace efforts. The group named the deceased, including Humam al-Hayya and Jihad Labad, and held the U.S. administration “jointly responsible” for supporting Israel militarily.
The White House described the incident as “unfortunate” but maintained that eliminating Hamas remains a “worthy goal.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump was immediately informed and had directed envoys to notify Qatar ahead of the strike, reaffirming U.S. commitment to the sovereign nation.
Trump subsequently spoke with Netanyahu and Qatari leaders, assuring that such operations would not occur again on Qatari soil. The Israeli prime minister’s office stressed that the operation was “wholly independent” and executed solely by Israel.
Witnesses in Doha reported hearing multiple explosions, with smoke rising above the northern Katara district. The attack has raised questions about the risks of foreign military operations within allied nations and threatens the fragile framework of ongoing peace negotiations in the region.
The incident adds to heightened tensions in the Middle East, where Qatar has served as a mediator between Hamas, Israel, and the U.S. since 2012, hosting the political bureau of the Palestinian group and facilitating indirect negotiations.
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