Military forces of Israel launch assault on Hamas office buildings in Qatar
In a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Israeli military claimed to have targeted the leadership of the Islamist group Hamas in Doha, Qatar. The attack, which occurred on Monday, is said to have been directed at Hamas leaders responsible for the operations of the terror organization and the war against Israel.
The highest-ranking remaining Hamas leader in Qatar, Khalil al-Hayya, who leads the Hamas delegation in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Israel and is recognized as the top Hamas official abroad, is reported to have been killed in the attack. The attack targeted residential areas where members of Hamas' political bureau lived.
Al-Haya, in a statement, expressed that Hamas would continue to strive for Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He described the massacre of Israelis on October 7, 2023, as a turning point in the history of the Palestinian cause.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a sharp warning to Hamas on Monday, threatening a massive attack on Gaza. This threat followed a similar warning from Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ten days earlier.
The ceasefire that came into effect in January collapsed after two months. Israel has refused to negotiate an end to the war as originally agreed, as part of the next phase of the ceasefire. This refusal has stalled negotiations for a new ceasefire for months.
Qatar, which had been acting as a mediator between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza war, temporarily suspended its role after the attack. The attack has also led to louder demands on Qatar to close the Hamas office.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Israeli attack on the Hamas leadership in Qatar, calling it a violation of Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Qatar strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of international laws and a threat to Qatar's security.
Following the explosion in Doha, a large cloud of smoke was seen, and a destroyed building with a black SUV parked in front was reported. Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote that Jewish blood should no longer be shed without consequence, referencing the attack in Qatar.
In a surprising twist, US President Donald Trump is reported to have given the attack the green light in advance, according to Israeli government officials. Trump had issued a "final warning" to Hamas to force a diplomatic solution just before Israel's further advance in the city of Gaza.
Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed that Israel took full responsibility for the attack in Qatar. The implications of this attack on the ongoing Gaza conflict and the future of negotiations remain to be seen.
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