Qatar strike aimed to wipe out Hamas 'old guard'

ISRAEL'S shock bombing of the Qatari capital was aimed at wiping out the Hamas 'old guard' blocking Gaza ceasefire proposals, according to the country's president.

- BY CHRIS HUGHES

Isaac Herzog said his nation's attack on Doha targeted terror chiefs because they had repeatedly turned down Israel's suggestions.

During a visit to London, he said: "The plan was to target the leadership who had objected to the peace deal.

"We targeted those who have refused to accept suggestions, including exiled Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya, who carries the blood of thousands of Israelis.

"Khalil was always objecting to every peace deal."

The astonishing claim about the attack, which killed six, was made hours before Herzog, 64, met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for talks about Gaza.