Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Palestinian group Hamas has confirmed that Israel’s recent airstrike in the Qatari capital, Doha, failed to assassinate members of its political leadership, describing the attack as a “cowardly and criminal act” and a violation of both international law and Qatari sovereignty.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Hamas said that the Israeli operation, which reportedly targeted its negotiating delegation during ongoing ceasefire talks, “constitutes a serious escalation and a blatant violation of international norms.” While the group acknowledged that some of its members were killed in the attack, it confirmed that key leaders from the delegation survived the assassination attempt.
“This cowardly attempt to eliminate our negotiating team failed,” the statement read. “However, a number of our brothers were martyred.”
An Attack on Qatar’s Sovereignty and Mediation Role
Hamas condemned the strike not only as an attack on its leadership but as an assault on the sovereignty of Qatar, which, along with Egypt, has been a key mediator in efforts to broker a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian relief in the Gaza Strip.
“The aggression against Doha is a criminal act and a direct assault on the sovereignty of our Qatari brothers, who have played a vital role alongside Egypt in mediation efforts,” the statement said.
The group also accused Israel of deliberately attempting to derail any progress toward a negotiated solution. “This crime once again reveals the true nature of the occupation and its aim to destroy any chance of reaching a political agreement.”
Hamas Blames the U.S. for “Shared Responsibility”
Hamas further placed part of the blame on the United States, accusing Washington of enabling Israeli impunity through its unwavering political and military support.
“We hold the American administration jointly responsible for this crime, due to its continuous support for Israeli aggression and its silence on Israel’s violations of international law,” the statement declared.
Call for International Condemnation
In its message, Hamas called on the international community, the United Nations, and all “free voices and living consciences” to urgently condemn the Israeli strike and defend Qatar’s sovereignty.
“The world must act immediately to pressure the Israeli occupation to halt its ongoing war of genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people,” the group said, urging international support for Palestinian rights, self-determination, and protection under international law.
No Change in Negotiating Stance
Despite the deadly attack, Hamas insisted that its core demands remain unchanged, and that it would not retreat under military pressure.
“The assassination attempt will not alter our position,” the statement emphasized. “We remain committed to our clear demands: an immediate halt to the aggression on our people, a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, a genuine prisoner exchange deal, and urgent humanitarian aid and reconstruction for Gaza.”
“We Will Not Be Broken”
Hamas concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to resistance and the pursuit of Palestinian statehood.
“These terrorist crimes will not break our will or the resolve of our leadership. We will continue our struggle until the occupation is removed from our land and a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established with Jerusalem as its capital.”
Regional and Diplomatic Fallout
The Israeli strike has sparked widespread condemnation across the Arab world, with Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Lebanon denouncing the attack as a reckless escalation. The operation, reportedly the first of its kind on Qatari territory, has also raised serious questions about regional stability and the future of mediation efforts.
Israel has claimed the strike, dubbed “Operation Summit of Fire,” targeted senior Hamas leaders allegedly responsible for orchestrating the October 7 attacks and directing operations from abroad. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated the operation was “entirely Israeli,” emphasizing it was not coordinated with any international partner, although an Israeli official claimed the U.S. had been informed in advance.
The unprecedented nature of the strike executed in a Gulf nation known for its neutral diplomacy, marks a significant shift in Israel’s operational footprint and may complicate delicate negotiations moving forward.
