Israel launched an unprecedented attack targeting Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the attack, saying:
"Today's action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility."
According to Al Jazeera, a Hamas source said that the attack in Doha targeted the Hamas negotiating team, as negotiators were meeting to consider the latest ceasefire proposal proposed by the US.
The strike occurred in a quiet, residential neighbourhood, among many foreign embassies, reported Al Jazeera.
Two Hamas sources told Reuters that Hamas officials in the ceasefire negotiating team survived the attack.
This is the first time Israel bombs targets in Qatar, following bombing campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria.
Both the UN and Qatar denounced the attack in Doha.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel’s strikes as a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar.”
He highlighted Qatar’s very positive role in trying to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
“All parties must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not destroying it," Guterres told reporters.
Qatar issued a statement strongly condemning “the cowardly Israeli attack,” noting that it targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in 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," it said.
Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, BBC