Background on Hamas and its Leaders
Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political organization and militant group that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is considered a terrorist organization by several countries, including Israel, the United States, and the European Union. Hamas’s leadership has been based in Qatar for many years, allowing it to maintain international connections and avoid direct confrontation with Israel.
Details of the Airstrikes
On Tuesday, Israel confirmed that it conducted airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar. The attacks were reportedly aimed at negotiators involved in ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel. Multiple explosions were felt in the Qatari capital, Doha, according to witnesses.
- Israeli media, citing a high-ranking official, reported that the attack targeted senior Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s exiled leader and chief negotiator.
- The Qatari capital, Doha, has been under heightened security since the start of the Gaza conflict. A gas station near a small residential compound, which is under 24-hour guard by Qatar’s emir, reportedly experienced the explosions.
Qatar Condemns the Attack
Qatar, which has been mediating between Hamas and Israel, strongly condemned the “cowardly” Israeli airstrikes against Hamas officials, calling it a “flagrant” violation of international law.
Tweet from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the cowardly Israeli attack targeting residential buildings in Doha where several members of Hamas’ political office are residing. This is a flagrant violation of international law and undermines efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. #QatarCondemnsIsraeliAttacks
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Hamas? Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political organization and militant group that governs the Gaza Strip. It is considered a terrorist organization by several countries.
- Why did Israel target Hamas leaders in Qatar? The airstrikes were reportedly aimed at negotiators involved in ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel.
- What was Qatar’s response to the attack? Qatar condemned the Israeli airstrikes as a “cowardly” act and a “flagrant” violation of international law.
