Israeli blow is directed to Hamas’s senior management in Qatar

Israel made a strike aimed at Hamas’s senior management in Qatar’s capital, Doha.

An employee of Hamas told the BBC that during a meeting, members of the negotiations team for the Palestinian armed group were directed. It was unclear if any of them had been killed, but the photos show a badly damaged building in the northern part of Qatar.

The Israeli military accused Hamas leaders of being directly responsible for the attack on October 7, 2023 against Israel and for organizing the subsequent war in Gaza.

Qatar categorically condemned what he called “the cowardly Israeli attack aimed at residential buildings, which house several members of the Hamas Political Bureau.”

“This criminal attack is a gross violation of all international laws and norms and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of the Cathars and residents in Qatar,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The state in the Persian Gulf – a key ally of the United States in the region, which is the location of a large US air base – hosts the Hamas Political Bureau since 2012 and has served as an intermediary in the indirect negotiations between the group and Israel.

UN Secretary -General Antonio Guterres also condemned the blow, said it was a “gentle reflection” of Qatar’s sovereignty.

The service of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that what he calls the “action against Hamas’s best terrorist chiefs” is “a completely independent Israeli operation.”

“Israel initiated it, Israel held it and Israel takes full responsibility,” a statement said.

A senior Israeli official told the Israeli media that the target members of Hamas include Halil Al-Haya, the chief negotiator and exile of the Gaza leader, and the Sacher Jabarin, the leader of the West Coast.

“We expect the results of the strike. There is a consensus among political and security,” the employee added.

On Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas leaders who live abroad that they were confronted with “destruction” and gas would be destroyed if the group does not release their hostages and laid their hands.

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to an attack led by Hamas against southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and 251 others were hostage.

At least 64 605 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the health ministry in the territory.