Israeli Strikes on Hamas in Qatar Fail to Kill Leaders, But Endanger Gaza Peace Talks

Multiple attacks by Israel, targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, took place on Tuesday. Reports indicate explosions in several areas within a short time frame. These strikes were directed towards Hamas’s political team, which was engaged in discussions concerning a Gaza ceasefire. According to Qatari officials, the attacks specifically targeted the residential buildings of Hamas leaders. A senior Israeli source informed CNN that the individuals targeted included Khalil al-Hayya, a lead negotiator for Hamas. However, Al Jazeera reported that the Hamas leadership in Doha survived the attack. A Hamas official, al-Hindi, said that the assassination attempt on Khalil al-Hayya and other Hamas leaders was unsuccessful, as they were meeting to discuss the ceasefire proposal. While the leaders were unharmed, five lower-ranking members were killed, including Humam, al-Hayya’s son, and a top aide, as stated by the Hamas official. The Qatari Interior Ministry reported a casualty within the country’s security forces and several injuries. The strikes threaten to halt the peace efforts, potentially increasing regional tensions given the involvement of Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled al-Mashal in the peace negotiations. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majid al-Ansari, stated that the attacks involved the targeting of residential buildings of several members of Hamas’s political bureau in Doha. The strikes have caused a strong reaction among Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, with the majority of countries condemning the attacks and showing support for Qatar. Saudi Arabia issued a warning to Israel, noting the potential for severe consequences for the violation of international laws. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the strikes, stating that all involved must work towards a durable ceasefire and not take actions that would destroy it.