Israeli attack hits Hamas in Qatar

ISRAEL launched an assassination strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar yesterday in a raid which sparked international outrage and threatens to destroy peace talks.

- By Giles Sheldrick

ISRAEL launched an assassination strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar yesterday in a raid which sparked international outrage and threatens to destroy peace talks.

Black smoke rose above the capital Doha after the attack killed up to six people including a member of the Qatari security forces.

The White House appeared to condemn the strike, which took place on a sovereign state’s soil, describing it as an “unfortunate incident” that “does not advance Israel’s or America’s goals”.

Qatar is a key ally in brokering peace talks in the Gaza war and US president Donald Trump was said to “feel very badly about the location of this attack”.

But his spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt added that he believes “eliminating Hamas is a worthy goal”. Official sources suggested the US was notified as the airborne attack was already underway, leaving little time to intervene.

Despite the White House later making a statement, it remains unclear if the Pentagon was aware ahead of time, when the strike was in progress or after it was launched.

Ms Leavitt said: “President Trump directed special envoy (Steve) Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack.

“The president views Qatar as a strong ally and friend.”

But Qatar’s foreign ministry said the country was not notified before the strike hit Doha.