Two Hamas sources told Reuters that the group’s delegation for ceasefire talks in Doha survived the Israeli strike.
Qatari media also reported that the Hamas delegation escaped an Israeli attempt to target them in the Qatari capital.
Israel Hayom said senior Hamas official Khaled Mashal was not present at the meeting.
The Israeli military later announced details of the strike, saying it targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, including Khalil al-Hayya, the head of the group in Gaza.
Israeli Army Radio said the military and Shin Bet had carried out a precision strike using the air force.
“The Hamas leaders who were targeted have directed the group’s activities for years and bear direct responsibility for the October 7 massacre and the war against Israel,” the military statement said.
Qatar, which has been mediating between Hamas and Israel, condemned the Israeli strike on Hamas officials, calling it cowardly and a blatant violation of international law.
“This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
It added that security forces, civil defense and other authorities had immediately begun dealing with the incident and taking measures to contain its impact and ensure the safety of residents and surrounding areas.
Qatari media also reported that the Hamas delegation escaped an Israeli attempt to target them in the Qatari capital.
Israel Hayom said senior Hamas official Khaled Mashal was not present at the meeting.
The Israeli military later announced details of the strike, saying it targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, including Khalil al-Hayya, the head of the group in Gaza.
Israeli Army Radio said the military and Shin Bet had carried out a precision strike using the air force.
“The Hamas leaders who were targeted have directed the group’s activities for years and bear direct responsibility for the October 7 massacre and the war against Israel,” the military statement said.
Qatar, which has been mediating between Hamas and Israel, condemned the Israeli strike on Hamas officials, calling it cowardly and a blatant violation of international law.
“This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
It added that security forces, civil defense and other authorities had immediately begun dealing with the incident and taking measures to contain its impact and ensure the safety of residents and surrounding areas.
