The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) conducted a precision strike against senior leaders of the Hamas militant group on 9/9, the IDF announced, without specifying the location.
The Israeli military stated that before the attack, it took measures to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision-guided munitions and updated intelligence.
Israeli media, citing Israeli officials, reported that among the Hamas leaders targeted was Khalil al-Hayya, the group's top negotiator.
Al Jazeera, citing a senior Hamas source, confirmed that the group's leaders were attacked in Doha while discussing a US-proposed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
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Smoke rises after explosions in Qatar's capital, Doha. Photo: X/inside_IL_intel |
Smoke rises after explosions in Qatar's capital, Doha. Photo: X/inside_IL_intel
Witnesses told Reuters they heard several explosions in Doha. Images published by media outlets showed smoke rising over the Qatari capital.
Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Qatar condemned the attack "in the strongest terms," saying the targets were residential buildings where some members of Hamas' political wing were staying.
"This unlawful attack constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a grave threat to the security and safety of the people of Qatar and those residing here," Ansari said.
He emphasized that Qatar would "not tolerate this reckless behavior by Israel and its continuous interference in regional security," nor any actions that infringe upon Doha's "sovereignty and security."
"An investigation is underway at the highest level. Updates will be released as soon as possible," he added.
The strike came about two weeks after IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced that Israel would target Hamas leaders abroad. "Most of the Hamas leadership is abroad, and we will target them," he stated.
Hamas and Israel have held several rounds of indirect talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US since the conflict in the Gaza Strip erupted nearly two years ago. Despite achieving two temporary ceasefires, negotiation efforts have yet to end the fighting.
On 7/9, Hamas declared its "readiness to immediately engage in negotiations" after receiving "ideas from the American side aimed at achieving a ceasefire agreement." US President Donald Trump said on the same day that he had issued a "final warning" to Hamas, demanding the group accept a deal to release the hostages it took in October 2023.
Pham Giang
(According to AFP, Reuters)
