Israel strikes senior Hamas figures during meeting in Qatar

…as group claims responsibility for Jerusalem attack

The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had carried out a strike against senior Hamas leaders, after AFP journalists in Gaza reported explosions and smoke above the enclave, where the group’s political bureau is based in Doha.

“The IDF (Israeli military) and ISA (security agency) conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation,” the military said, without confirming the exact location.

Qatar strongly criticised the attack, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari saying, “The State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha. This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.”

A Hamas source told Al Jazeera that the strike targeted leaders of the group while they were discussing a ceasefire proposal from US President Donald Trump.

Israeli media, quoting a senior official, reported the strike was aimed at top Hamas figures, including Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s Gaza chief. An eyewitness said smoke could be seen rising over the Katara District in Doha.

Trump had warned Hamas on Sunday that it must accept his ceasefire terms. “The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning,” he said on social media. Speaking later to reporters, he added: “We had some very good discussions. Good things could happen. I think we’re going to have a deal on Gaza very soon.”

In response, Hamas said it was ready to “immediately sit at the negotiating table” after receiving “some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement.”

The group has called for a clear end to the war, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the creation of a Palestinian-led committee to run the territory. Last month, Hamas agreed to a proposal for a 60-day truce and staged prisoner releases.

Israel has pushed back, demanding the release of all prisoners at once, the disarmament of Hamas, and its withdrawal from control of Gaza.

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