Israel targets Hamas leadership in Qatar

“We affirm the enemy’s failure to assassinate the brothers in the negotiating delegation,” the group said in a statement as quoted by CNN.

One of the key targets of the strike was Hamas’ chief negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya.

However, his name did not feature in the list of deceased people.

ccording to Hamas, Al-Hayya’s son and the director of his office were killed in the strike, CNN reported.

A Qatari official was reported killed in the strike.

“The targeting of the negotiating delegation, at a moment when discussions are taking place regarding the recent proposal from US President Donald Trump, confirms without a doubt that Netanyahu and his government do not want to reach any agreement,” Hamas said.

IDF says it targeted Hamas leadership members

The Israel Defense Forces said the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation were the target of the strikes.

IDF said: "For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization's operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel."

"Prior to the strike, measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence," the statement said.

Speaking on the strike, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Today's action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation."

He further said: "Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility."

 Qatar Reacts

Qatar's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed al-Ansari condemned the strike and wrote on X: "The State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha. 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."

He further said: "While the State of Qatar strongly condemns this assault, it confirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its security and sovereignty. Investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as they are available."

Qatar has been a home for several exiled Hamas leaders. The country has served as a mediator in talks between the Palestinian group and Israel for years.