Hamas claims its leaders survived Israeli attack in Doha, Qatar

The Palestinian group Hamas has announced that six individuals were killed during an Israeli air strike in Doha, Qatar, but claims that its leadership survived the assault. This incident is reported to have occurred while Hamas officials were engaged in discussions regarding a proposed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip presented by the United States.

The attack targeted a residential compound in Doha's northern Katara district, which was reportedly housing senior members of Hamas. Witnesses described hearing multiple explosions in the area, with smoke visibly rising over the city. According to Qatari authorities, among those killed was a member of the Qatari Internal Security Force, though specific Hamas casualties were not acknowledged by the interior ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation was justified, claiming it aimed at key Hamas figures responsible for the recent violence in Israel. The Israeli government has described the operation as a precise strike carried out by its military against senior Hamas leadership, in retaliation for the deadly attack orchestrated by the group on 7 October 2023.

Netanyahu indicated that the operation was a response to heightened tensions following deadly incidents in Jerusalem and Gaza. He described the leadership's role in these violent episodes as a critical reason for the attack. Israeli media suggested that up to 15 fighter jets participated in the operation, targeting specific individuals including Khalil al-Hayya, a key negotiator for Hamas.

In a statement, Hamas condemned the Israeli air strike as a "heinous crime" and a violation of international law. The group asserted that the attack was designed to derail ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a truce and facilitating a prisoner exchange.

Hamas identified five individuals who they reported as deceased in the air strike, including Humam al-Hayya, the son of Khalil al-Hayya, and Jihad Labad, who served as the director of al-Hayya's office. The group accused Israel of deliberately targeting its delegation during discussions about the ceasefire proposal.

The US government, through White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, expressed that while the incident was unfortunate, the objective of eliminating Hamas was considered a justified aim. Leavitt acknowledged that President Donald Trump had contacted Qatari officials to inform them of the impending attack before it occurred, but Qatar's government has disputed this account.

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned the attack as a severe violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, calling it a reckless act that threatens both Qatari and regional security. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations joined Qatar in denouncing the Israeli air strike, labelling it a brutal aggression.

UN Secretary General António Guterres also condemned the action, stating it violated Qatar's sovereignty and called for all parties to work towards a ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron labelled the attack as "unacceptable", while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged for an immediate ceasefire and highlighted the risks of further escalation in the region.

The situation remains tense as concerns grow regarding the potential repercussions on ongoing ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas. With approximately 64,000 reported fatalities in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, prompting increased international scrutiny and calls for a resolution. Families of those kidnapped during the conflict remain anxious as hostilities persist, and negotiations seem precarious amid such escalating tensions.

The Israeli military campaign began following the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, which resulted in numerous casualties and the abduction of many individuals. As Israel's actions continue to provoke outrage in the region, the long-standing conflict faces renewed challenges in achieving a lasting peace settlement.