Israel strikes Hamas leaders in Doha

Israel has conducted a significant airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, the group's exiled Gaza chief and key negotiator. This operation, described by Israeli officials as a "surgical precision strike," comes amid ongoing tensions following a recent shooting in Jerusalem that resulted in six fatalities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strike was a commitment to hold accountable those responsible for violence against Israel.

The airstrike, which resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members, including al-Hayya's son, has raised concerns about the potential derailment of ceasefire negotiations that were taking place in Qatar. Hamas confirmed that while some of its senior leadership survived, the attack has intensified fears among families of Israeli hostages, who worry that the strike could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts for their release.

The operation has drawn widespread condemnation from Qatar, which labeled it a violation of its sovereignty and international law. Other Persian Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, expressed solidarity with Qatar. International reactions included criticism from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who warned of further destabilization, while U.S. President Donald Trump described the strike as "unfortunate" and not aligned with American or Israeli objectives.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said during a press conference that the mediation efforts are part of the Qatari identity and nothing would deter its role in that regard, hours after Israel attacked Hamas leaders in Doha.

al-Thani added U.S. officials first warned Qatar of the Israeli attack 10 minutes after the attack began, describing the attack as "treacherous."

The airstrike marks a notable escalation in the regional conflict, as Israel has previously targeted Hamas leaders in Gaza but has now extended its military actions to a close U.S. ally. The Israeli military justified the strike as a necessary action against Hamas amid ongoing hostilities that have resulted in significant casualties in Gaza, with over 64,000 Palestinians reported killed since the conflict escalated.

As the situation unfolds, the United Nations Security Council has convened an emergency meeting in response to the attack, highlighting the growing international concern over the conflict's impact on regional stability and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.