Multiple attacks by Israel, targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, took place on Tuesday. Reports indicate explosions in several areas within a short time frame. These strikes were directed towards Hamas’s political team, which was engaged in discussions concerning a Gaza ceasefire. According to Qatari officials, the attacks specifically targeted the residential buildings of Hamas leaders. A senior Israeli source informed CNN that the individuals targeted included Khalil al-Hayya, a lead negotiator for Hamas. However, Al Jazeera reported that the Hamas leadership in Doha survived the attack. A Hamas official, al-Hindi, said that the assassination attempt on Khalil al-Hayya and other Hamas leaders was unsuccessful, as they were meeting to discuss the ceasefire proposal. While the leaders were unharmed, five lower-ranking members were killed, including Humam, al-Hayya’s son, and a top aide, as stated by the Hamas official. The Qatari Interior Ministry reported a casualty within the country’s security forces and several injuries. The strikes threaten to halt the peace efforts, potentially increasing regional tensions given the involvement of Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled al-Mashal in the peace negotiations. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majid al-Ansari, stated that the attacks involved the targeting of residential buildings of several members of Hamas’s political bureau in Doha. The strikes have caused a strong reaction among Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, with the majority of countries condemning the attacks and showing support for Qatar. Saudi Arabia issued a warning to Israel, noting the potential for severe consequences for the violation of international laws. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the strikes, stating that all involved must work towards a durable ceasefire and not take actions that would destroy it.
