Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas’ leadership in Qatar on Tuesday, officials said, further widening its campaign against the militant group, as negotiations over ending the war in the Gaza Strip appeared to stall before a new military offensive there.
It wasn’t immediately clear how the attack was carried out, though an Israeli military spokesman referred to Israel’s air force carrying out the strike. Qatar Airways continued landing in Doha amid the strike, even as at least one Qatari air force aircraft took off on patrol over the country.
What to know:
- Qatar responds: Qatar condemned what it referred to as a “cowardly Israeli attack” on Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari called it a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.”
- Qatar attacked twice since Oct. 7: The assault marks the second time the energy-rich nation has been directly attacked in the nearly two years of war that have gripped the wider Middle East since Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 — even as it has served as a key negotiator in efforts to end the conflict. It also calls into question whether any negotiations will immediately continue.
- Top UN official condemns Israeli attack: U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday that he condemned the Israeli attack on Hamas’ headquarters in Doha, adding that “all parties must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not destroying it.”