The attempt, described by Hamas as “cowardly” and by international observers as a flagrant breach of sovereignty, failed to kill the movement’s top leadership—but claimed the lives of several close aides and a Qatari security officer.

According to Hamas Political Bureau member Suhail al-Hindi, including in an Al Jazeera interview, the meeting was underway when the strike hit. While senior leaders such as Khalil al-Hayya and negotiator Zaher Jabarin escaped unharmed, the bombing killed Humam al-Hayya—son of Khalil—and his office director, Jihad Labad, along with other aides.

Qatar’s Interior Ministry confirmed the casualties, including a Qatari security officer, and stated that specialized teams are responding swiftly to secure the area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the attack as a “blatant violation of international law and Qatar’s sovereignty,” affirming that Qatar will not tolerate such reckless behavior.

The strike immediately drew global condemnation. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres labeled it a “flagrant violation of sovereignty,” and urged renewed commitment to ceasefire efforts instead of further escalation.

Turkish President Erdoğan accused Israel of adopting terrorism as state policy and reaffirmed support for the Palestinian cause and Qatar.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the assault as unacceptable, while a host of Arab nations—including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE—demanded accountability.

Even the U.S. expressed regret, with the White House calling the strike “unfortunate” and stressing that bombarding a sovereign ally undercuts both American and Israeli objectives. The White House revealed that President Trump had been informed by U.S. military officials prior to the strike and ordered Qatari authorities to be notified in advance. Trump later spoke to both Netanyahu and Qatar’s Emir, offering assurances such an incident would not recur.

The attack, seen by many as a message to derail peace efforts, threatens to unravel the fragile ceasefire negotiations and hostage-release efforts underway in Doha. Hamas condemned the operation, arguing it proves Israel—and by implication its U.S. backers—are not negotiating in good faith but are intent on crushing any hope for resolution.

The global backlash underscores a growing awareness that Israel is escalating not only militarily in Gaza but also diplomatically against efforts at peace and stability. Meanwhile, the Palestinian delegation in Doha remains resolute: “We will not raise the white flag. We will resist the occupier with full force,” al-Hindi declared. (ILKHA)