Israel has launched airstrikes targeting senior Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, killing six people including the son of exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, according to Hamas. The group said its top leadership and ceasefire negotiating team survived the attack.
The White House confirmed it was informed in advance but criticised the strike, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stating: "Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard ... to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America's goals."
President Donald Trump distanced himself from the operation, saying on Truth Social: "This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me." Trump added that his administration tried to warn Qatar but were "unfortunately, too late."
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani accused Israel of sabotaging peace efforts and practising "state terrorism." He said Qatar reserves the right to respond and will take necessary measures, while reaffirming its commitment to mediation.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as a violation of Qatar's sovereignty and a risk of regional escalation, though he still plans to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog in London. Israel said the strike was in response to a Hamas-claimed shooting in Jerusalem that killed six Israelis.
