Israeli Strike Kills Hamas Leaders, Spurs Qatar Search, Regional Condemnation

An Israeli airstrike targeted senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, killing several lower-level Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, while the fate of top negotiators, including Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, remains unclear. Qatar condemned the strike as 'state terror' and cautioned that it threatens ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the attack as a justified response to the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The strike drew widespread condemnation from regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, as well as the European Union, raising concerns about jeopardizing peace talks. US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the timing and execution of the strike, emphasizing the priority of securing hostage releases. Human remains have been recovered and identification efforts continue, with Qatar's disaster victim unit working to confirm the victims' identities.