Israel’s military has bombed Doha, Qatar’s capital, in a bid to assassinate Hamas leaders involved in ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas said its leadership had survived the Israeli strike, though at least six people were killed, including the son of chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya. The United States said it had only been notified shortly before the attack.
Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani told U.S. President Donald Trump via phone that “the State of Qatar condemns and denounces, in the strongest terms, the reckless and criminal attack, given it is a clear violation of the country's sovereignty and security, adding that it was a clear violation of international law's principles.”
“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a Sovereign Nation and close Ally of the United States, that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker Peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.”
Israel’s military said it had deployed 15 fighter jets to attack a complex housing Hamas leaders north of central Doha.
While Trump said U.S. Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff warned Qatar before the attack, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they did not receive information until explosions had already begun in Doha.
A member of Qatar’s Internal Security Force was killed in the strike, the country’s Ministry of Interior said. Multiple other security personnel were injured.
Hamas has had a political office in Doha since 2012, and Qatar has hosted ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas since October 2023. The U.S.’ largest military base in the Middle East is also located southwest of Doha.
The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting in response, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling the attack a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. Countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, the United Kingdom, and Turkey have condemned the strike.
Trump said he had directed the State Department to finalise a defence cooperation agreement with Qatar.
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