The Palestinian armed group Hamas has said five of its members were killed in an Israeli air strike in Qatar's capital, but claimed that an attempt to assassinate its negotiating team failed.
Hamas stated that the negotiating team was meeting to discuss the latest U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at a residential compound in Doha when it was targeted by a series of explosions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike, stating it was fully justified as it targeted senior Hamas leaders linked to the deadly attacks initiated on October 7, 2023, which spurred the ongoing Gaza war.
The strike was condemned by Qatar, labeling it as a cowardly act and a flagrant violation of international law.
Qatar's interior ministry confirmed the death of one of its Internal Security Force members and noted other injuries, yet did not specify Hamas casualties.
The U.S., through President Donald Trump, referred to the incident as unfortunate, but acknowledged the elimination of Hamas as a legitimate goal.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions in Doha's northern Katara district, with the Israeli defense forces confirming their involvement and emphasizing that the strike targeted the leadership responsible for atrocities against Israel.
Hamas characterized the Israeli action as a heinous crime, a blatant aggression, and a flagrant violation of all international norms and laws, stressing that the attack illustrates Israel's intention to obstruct peace efforts.
Despite the violence, the White House indicated communication efforts to inform Qatar about the impending strike, attempting to maintain diplomatic ties between the nations.
The ongoing conflict has raised anxieties among the families of hostages in Gaza, with concerns that such military actions could hinder any chances of a peaceful resolution.
International condemnation followed from multiple world leaders questioning the legitimacy of Israel's actions and calling for a ceasefire as tensions across the region remain high.
