Israel launched airstrikes against Hamas officials meeting in Doha, Qatar, killing six people, but the group's top leadership survived, Hamas said. The attack targeted the group's chief ceasefire negotiator, according to reports, and drew sharp criticism from the White House and Qatari authorities.
The White House said the strike was carried out on the soil of a key US ally and mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks. 'Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar... does not advance Israel or America's goals,' White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, though she acknowledged eliminating Hamas as a 'worthy goal'.
US President Donald Trump denied involvement, saying the decision was made solely by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump said his administration had tried to warn Qatar but was 'too late'. Qatari officials said they received the warning only as explosions began.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani accused Israel of 'state terrorism' and said Qatar reserves the right to respond. The Arab League and Turkey also condemned the attack, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it violated Qatar's sovereignty.
Israel said the strike was in response to a Hamas-claimed shooting in Jerusalem that killed six Israelis. The attack came as Israel ordered evacuations in Gaza City ahead of a planned offensive.
