Doha: Israel’s strike on Hamas political leaders in Doha has triggered widespread international condemnation and raised fears of a broader regional escalation. The attack, which Israeli officials said targeted exiled Hamas figures, resulted in at least six deaths, including five Hamas members and one Qatari security officer, but senior leaders survived.

Among the casualties were the son of Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, his bodyguards, and office staff. Reports suggest other Hamas leaders in Doha, including Zaher Jabarin, Muhammad Ismail Darwish, and Khaled Mashal, were also targeted but escaped unharmed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike as retaliation for recent Hamas attacks near Jerusalem, framing it as part of a wider campaign that has already extended to Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Yemen.

The White House said the United States was given little warning. President Donald Trump voiced sharp disapproval, declaring he was very unhappy with the operation. He said he had directed aides to alert Qatar in advance but admitted the warning came too late. Qatar disputed receiving any prior notice, describing the delay as treacherous and denouncing the strike as cowardly state terrorism.

Global reaction was swift. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strike as a flagrant violation of Qatari sovereignty and warned it undermines fragile ceasefire efforts.

Germany called the assault unacceptable, while Gulf states and the European Union raised concerns about regional destabilization. The Vatican also joined in criticizing the attack, urging restraint.

Despite the assault, Qatar’s Prime Minister vowed the country would not abandon its role as mediator in ongoing negotiations, insisting that nothing will deter Qatar’s mediation role.

Analysts warn that Israel’s move risks derailing ceasefire prospects and widening the conflict at a time when diplomacy remains the only fragile bridge between the warring sides.