Israel launched an airstrike on a residential building in Doha, Qatar’s capital, during a consultation meeting of Hamas leaders.
Hamas confirmed that the central leadership remained safe, but six people, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya, were martyred. Among the dead was also a Qatari security officer.
According to Al Jazeera, several powerful explosions were heard in a residential area of Doha in the afternoon, followed by smoke rising into the sky. Shortly afterwards, the Israeli military confirmed the attack on the Hamas meeting in Doha.
Hamas confirmed the death of six individuals and said the central leadership survived. It claimed the Israeli attack aimed to sabotage talks over a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
White House reaction
Karoline Claire Leavitt , White House press secretary, told reporters that the US military informed the Trump administration of the Israeli strike on Hamas in Doha. President Trump immediately instructed special envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatar about the attack.
Lioyt said that a unilateral bombing of a sovereign state such as Qatar, a close US ally making tireless efforts to establish peace, served neither Israel’s nor America’s interests.
Qatar denies prior warning
Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denied White House claims that Qatar had prior notice of the Israeli strike. He said the reports of prior warning were entirely false. The Qatari officials received a call from a US officer only as the sounds of explosions from the Israeli strike were heard in Doha.
US assurance over future attacks
The White House press secretary praised Qatar and said President Trump assured Qatari officials that such attacks would not happen again. The president regards Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the US and expressed deep regret over the incident.
She added that President Trump spoke to the Emir of Qatar and the prime minister, thanking them for their support and friendship. He assured them that no similar event would take place on their soil in future.
Qatar condemns Israeli attack
Qatar condemned the Israeli strike on Hamas as a cowardly act in the strongest terms. It said the attack on residential buildings housing members of Hamas’s political bureau was a criminal act and a clear violation of international laws and principles.
The attack poses a serious threat to the security of Qatari citizens and foreign residents. Qatar will not tolerate Israel’s irresponsible conduct or attempts to undermine regional security.
No action targeting Qatar’s sovereignty and security will be acceptable. Qatar is conducting a high-level investigation into the Israeli strike.
Hamas response
Hamas said no member of its organisation was killed in the Israeli attack in Doha. The members attending the meeting escaped the lethal strike, and leader Khalil al-Hayya survived narrowly.
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