Israel has launched airstrikes on Hamas officials meeting in the Qatari capital, Doha, killing six people but failing to eliminate the group's top leadership, according to Hamas. The White House described the attack as not advancing the goals of either Israel or the United States.
Hamas confirmed that among the dead was the son of its exiled Gaza chief, Khalil al-Hayya, but said its negotiating team, including the chief ceasefire negotiator, survived. The strike came hours after the Israeli military ordered all residents of Gaza City to evacuate ahead of a planned offensive.
The White House stated it was informed in advance and warned Qatar, though Qatari officials reported receiving the warning only as explosions began. US President Donald Trump distanced himself from the attack, saying it was a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed full responsibility for the 'wholly independent Israeli operation'.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani accused Israel of 'state terrorism' and sabotaging peace chances, reserving the right to respond. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as a violation of Qatar's sovereignty, though UK sources confirmed he still intends to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Israel said the strike was in response to a Hamas-claimed shooting in Jerusalem that killed six Israelis. Gaza health officials report over 65,000 Palestinians killed since the war began after Hamas's attack on 7 October 2023. Qatar, a key US ally hosting the Al Udeid airbase, has been a leading mediator in ceasefire efforts.
