Qatar-based Hamas leaders under attack by Israeli forces during discussions on a possible Gaza truce offer

In a dramatic turn of events, Israel carried out a strike on Hamas' political wing headquarters in Qatar's Diplomatic Quarter on Tuesday. The attack, which resulted in the death of five lower-level Hamas members, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya and the head of al-Hayya's office, as well as a member of Qatar's Internal Security Force, has sparked international condemnation and uncertainty.

The Israeli military reportedly used "precise munitions and additional intelligence" in the strike, but details about the attack methodology are not immediately clear. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly claimed responsibility for the strike.

Egypt condemned the attack, stating that it targeted Palestinian leaders who had met to discuss ways to reach a ceasefire agreement. Qatar, Egypt, and the UN Secretary General have also expressed their disapproval, with Qatar referring to the attack as a "cowardly Israeli attack" and a "flagrant violation of all international laws and norms."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described the strike as a "criminal act and a flagrant violation of international law" in a phone call with Qatar's ruler. The U.S. was informed about the strike ahead of time by Israel, but it's unclear if Washington provided approval for the operation.

The strike has added to the already tense situation in Gaza, where the war has left Israel increasingly isolated internationally. Many western allies have called for Israel to end the war and address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Hamas holds Israel, the U.S., and Egypt responsible for the strike and claims that the Israeli government does not want to reach any agreement. The organization has said it will only release the remaining 48 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The war in Gaza has been a complex and volatile situation, with both sides engaging in attacks. The strike in Qatar was reportedly a response to a shooting attack in Jerusalem that killed six people and an attack on Israeli forces in Gaza that killed four soldiers.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed deep concern and great fear after the strike, stating that the prospect of their return now faces greater uncertainty than ever. The U.S. President Donald Trump advanced a new proposal for a ceasefire, which includes the immediate release of all hostages. The proposal, presented by Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, calls for a negotiated end of the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza once the hostages are released and a ceasefire is established.

The strike on Hamas leadership in Qatar has further complicated the already fragile peace talks and increased the tension in the region. The international community is closely watching the developments and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Qatar-based Hamas leaders under attack by Israeli forces during discussions on a possible Gaza truce offer