Explosions rock Doha as Israeli strike targets Hamas leaders in Qatar
The attack, which killed Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, marks a stunning escalation that could upend delicate Gaza ceasefire talks
Israel struck the headquarters of Hamas’ political leadership in Qatar on Tuesday as the group’s top figures gathered to consider a US proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The strike on the territory of a US ally marked a stunning escalation and risked upending talks aimed at winding down the war and freeing hostages.
The attack angered Qatar, an energy-rich Gulf nation hosting thousands of American troops that has served as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas throughout the 23-month-old war and even before.
It condemned what it referred to as a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms” as smoke rose over its capital, Doha. Other key US allies in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, promised their support to Qatar.
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Explosions rock Doha as Israeli air strike targets Hamas leaders in Qatar
Hamas said in a statement its top leaders survived the strike but that five lower-level members were killed, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya - Hamas’ leader for Gaza and its top negotiator - three bodyguards, and the head of al-Hayya’s office.