Israel’s Airstrikes in Qatar Target Hamas, Jeopardizing Ceasefire Talks

On Tuesday, Israel conducted strikes in Qatar, aiming at Hamas leaders. Multiple explosions were reported in quick succession. The targets were the political wing of Hamas, currently engaged in discussions regarding a ceasefire in Gaza. The strikes hit the residential properties of Hamas officials in Qatar. An Israeli official revealed to CNN that the targets included Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’s chief negotiator. According to Al Jazeera, the Hamas leadership was unharmed during the attacks in Doha. A Hamas official, al-Hindi, confirmed that an attempt to assassinate Khalil al-Hayya and other Hamas leaders, who were discussing the Trump ceasefire proposal, had failed. However, the attack resulted in the deaths of five lower-ranking members, including Humam, the son of al-Hayya, and a senior aide, as stated by the Hamas official. The Qatari Interior Ministry reported one fatality among its security forces and several injuries. This incident threatens to disrupt the ongoing peace negotiations and escalate regional tensions, considering the involvement of both Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled al-Mashal in the peace process. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majid al-Ansari, condemned the targeting of several residential buildings belonging to members of Hamas’s political bureau in Doha. The attack has drawn strong reactions from Arab nations, with Saudi Arabia and others condemning the act and expressing solidarity with Qatar. Saudi Arabia also warned Israel of the severe consequences of violating international law. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also denounced the attacks, emphasizing the need for all parties to work towards a sustainable ceasefire, not undermine it.