Israel Conducts Air Attack on Senior Hamas Leaders in Qatar

(MENAFN) Israeli warplanes launched a targeted airstrike in the Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday, striking a significant blow to ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Explosions were reported across the city, with thick plumes of smoke visible in the aftermath.

The Israeli military confirmed that the airstrike was a "precise strike" aimed at high-ranking Hamas officials, although they did not disclose the exact location of the operation. A senior Israeli official told Israeli media that the attack specifically targeted top Hamas leaders in Doha.

According to a senior Hamas figure, the strike occurred while the group’s negotiators were in discussions regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's recent ceasefire and prisoner swap proposal. Another Hamas leader also confirmed to media that the Hamas leadership delegation managed to survive the assault.

"This operation against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was entirely an Israeli initiative," stated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in a statement. "Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility," it added.

Reports from Israeli media suggest that warplanes fired 12 missiles at sites where Hamas leaders were known to be present.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry swiftly condemned the attack, describing it as a "blatant violation of international law." "This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar," the Ministry said in a statement.

Qatar's authorities confirmed that security forces and civil defense teams were quick to respond, taking necessary measures to mitigate the effects of the attack and ensure public safety. The government emphasized that it would not tolerate any act jeopardizing its security and sovereignty, nor the continued destabilization of regional peace.

Qatar, alongside Egypt and the U.S., has been playing a pivotal role in mediating indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a potential prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement.

Since October 2023, Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza has claimed the lives of more than 64,600 Palestinians, leaving the region in a state of devastation and famine. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza last November. Israel also faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.

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