Israel Continues Targeting Hamas Leaders Despite Global Criticism, UN Meeting Scheduled

Israel carried out a missile strike in Qatar targeting senior Hamas leaders engaged in ceasefire negotiations, killing five members including the son of a top negotiator, which Hamas vows will not deter their efforts. The attack, condemned by Qatar as "state terror," has escalated tensions and drawn criticism from the U.S. and international community for potentially undermining ongoing ceasefire talks in Gaza, where over 64,600 people have died since October 2023. Israeli officials, including Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and UN Ambassador Danny Danon, have defended the strike, asserting that Israel will continue pursuing Hamas leaders "wherever they may be" and that there will be no immunity for terrorists. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's reported disagreement with the strike, Israeli and American officials emphasized their united goal to eliminate Hamas as a threat to Middle East peace. Qatar, a key mediator, is consulting regional partners on a response, while the UN Security Council has convened to discuss the implications of the attack. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned of further actions against nations harboring terrorists, underscoring Israel's determination to continue its military operations against Hamas and related groups.