The Palestinian group Hamas has issued its first formal response to an Israeli military operation in Qatar’s capital, alleging the attack deliberately targeted ongoing negotiations for a prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement.
According to the group’s statement, the strikes resulted in multiple casualties, though several individuals survived the assault, including senior Hamas officials. The organization condemned the operation as demonstrating what it called the “criminal nature of occupation” and accused Israel of systematically undermining diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement.
Earlier reports from Doha confirmed explosions in residential areas, with local authorities indicating the strikes were directed against members of Hamas’s political leadership. The incident represents a significant escalation as it marks the first time such operations have been conducted in Qatar, which has served as a key mediator in previous negotiations between the conflicting parties.
The attack comes amid fragile diplomatic efforts to secure a truce in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about the future prospects for negotiated solutions to the violence.
