Senior Hamas leaders survived an Israeli airstrike on a building in Doha, Qatar, on 9/9, according to Hamas political official Suhail al-Hindi. "Israel failed in its assassination attempt against our negotiating delegation," al-Hindi said.
However, the group confirmed six fatalities in the attack. Among the victims were the son of Khalil al-Hayya, the acting head of Hamas' political wing and a key member of the negotiating team, along with al-Hayya's chief of staff and three other members.
Local media reported the other victim as Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi, a Qatari security officer. Qatar's Interior Ministry previously stated that several of its security personnel were injured in the attack.
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Smoke rises from the site of the Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, on 9/9. Photo: AP |
Smoke rises from the site of the Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, on 9/9. Photo: AP
Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining peace efforts and held the US accountable for its "continued support" of Tel Aviv's actions against Palestinians.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions in Doha on the afternoon of 9/9, with smoke rising from the city's Katara district. Shortly after, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency claimed responsibility for targeting Hamas leadership in Doha.
Israeli defense officials stated that 10 fighter jets launched over 10 projectiles in the airstrike, claiming all hit their targets within seconds. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office declared the operation was independently conducted and that Israel would "bear full responsibility."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the strike, highlighting that Israel "unilaterally bombed Qatari territory, a sovereign nation and close US ally." "Qatar is bravely taking risks with us to broker peace. This does not advance Israeli or US objectives," she said.
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Several countries in the Middle East. Graphic: BBC |
Several countries in the Middle East. Graphic: BBC
US President Donald Trump said he attempted to dissuade Israel from the attack but admitted his efforts were too late, expressing surprise at Tel Aviv's actions.
Hamas has been based in Doha, Qatar for several years. The Middle Eastern nation is a key mediator in peace negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
Qatar strongly condemned the Israeli attack, stating it "will not tolerate this reckless act" and denounced Tel Aviv's continuous interference in regional security. However, Qatari officials affirmed their commitment to mediating peace talks.
Nguyen Tien (AFP, Al Jazeera, Times of Israel)
