Senior Hamas leaders narrowly escaped an Israeli airstrike in Doha, an incident that has further strained relations between Qatar and Israel.
The strike targeted a high-level meeting of Hamas officials, including Khalil al-Hayya, head of the group’s negotiation team, who has been involved in talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Israel.
According to sources, the assault was unexpected, with Israel reportedly seeking to eliminate Hamas leaders it accuses of delaying negotiations.
The Hamas officials most of whom reside in Qatar had convened to discuss proposals put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump, which were intended as a framework for ending the war. Trump’s plan called on Hamas to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, and to immediately cease hostilities. In exchange, peace talks would continue in pursuit of a permanent ceasefire.
Although Hamas has faced accusations of dragging its feet, reports indicated the group was prepared to consider Trump’s terms. The leaders were in discussion when the Israeli strike occurred.
Among those targeted was Khalil al-Hayya. Hamas later confirmed that he survived the attack along with his aides. However, his son, a close associate, three of his bodyguards, and several others were killed or critically wounded.
A Qatari security officer also died in the strike, prompting a strong condemnation from Doha. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry denounced the attack as a violation of its sovereignty and announced a “high-level investigation before taking decisive measures.”
Qatar also expressed frustration with Washington. While the White House claimed that Qatar had been warned about the strike, Doha rejected the assertion, insisting that President Trump provided no prior notice.
Following the incident, Israel publicly acknowledged responsibility, stating that the operation targeted Hamas leaders responsible for major attacks in Israel in 2023.
France and the United Kingdom condemned the strike, warning that it could undermine ongoing peace efforts, particularly given Qatar’s role as host of the negotiations. Observers are now questioning whether Doha will continue to act as a mediator after being directly targeted.
Meanwhile, President Trump held separate conversations with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel had accepted Trump’s terms and urged Hamas to do the same to bring the conflict to an end “once and for all.”
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
