Israel attacks Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar accuses Tel Aviv

Two serious crises, two hotspots in the Middle East, merged today in one explosive turn of events. Israeli armed forces, in a joint operation with the Shin Bet security service, carried out an airstrike on high-ranking members of the Palestinian group Hamas, who were in the capital of Qatar, Doha. The attack, which official representatives of Doha described as a "blatant violation of international law," occurred against a backdrop of increasing tension and an immediate threat of a large-scale ground operation by the Israeli army in Gaza City.

The explosions in the heart of the Qatari capital caused a thick cloud of smoke to rise from a local gas station. Observers reported that the attack hit the homes of Hamas leaders located in close proximity to the site. Local sources revealed that this small residential building has been guarded around the clock by Qatari guards since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, which indicates its importance to the Palestinian group. According to Reuters, the attack affected the Hamas negotiating delegation, whose presence in Doha is key to mediation efforts.

The Attack in Doha: Escalation or a Precise Strike?

Israeli media, citing official representatives, claim that US President Donald Trump gave his approval for the strike to be carried out. For its part, the Israeli side announced that it had carried out a "precise strike" against individuals who are directly responsible for the brutal attack on October 7, 2023. This action fits into the broader strategy announced at the end of August, when the Israeli army stated that it would "reach" Hamas leaders wherever they are in the world.

Doha, which for months has been a key mediator in negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, did not hide its outrage at the attack. Qatari authorities immediately condemned the actions, and an investigation into the case has begun at the "highest level." In response to the escalation, the US Embassy in Qatar offered asylum to its citizens. Iran described the Israeli attack as "dangerous" and contrary to international law. At the same time, the armed wing of Hamas took responsibility for yesterday's shooting in Jerusalem, which cost the lives of six Israeli citizens.

Gaza Under Siege: Evacuation, Criticism, and Humanitarian Crisis

The attack in Doha occurred on a day marked by an unprecedented escalation of tension in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army issued an order for the complete and immediate evacuation of the entire population of Gaza City—a measure that affects about 1 million Palestinians. However, according to the UN, there is no safe place left to relocate in the Gaza Strip, which calls into question the humanitarian aspect of the operation. The order, distributed via leaflets dropped from the air, caused a wave of panic among the population, which has been expecting a full-scale attack for weeks.

The residents of Gaza are faced with an impossible choice. While some have already headed south, others, like the resident Karam Jarada, are determined to stay, stating that they will "die standing and bow only to Almighty Allah." This determination reflects the desperation and lack of trust in promises of safety elsewhere.

Against this backdrop, health authorities in Gaza announced that they would evacuate the two largest functioning hospitals in the city—"Al Shifa" and "Al Ahli." The evacuation order is part of plans for operations in the area with "great force," aimed at what the Israeli army considers to be the last stronghold of Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a direct warning to the residents of Gaza: "Take advantage of this opportunity and listen to me carefully: You have been warned, get out of there!" He announced that at least 50 "terrorist towers" would be destroyed, which he claims are used by Hamas for observation. Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened that a "mighty hurricane" would sweep through Gaza if Hamas did not surrender and release the last remaining hostages.

Diplomatic Clash: Recognition of a Palestinian State

The tension in the Middle East has also spread to the international stage. Israel's plans for full control over Gaza City and the demilitarization of the entire Strip were met with criticism from the international community. The head of European Union diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, stated that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is testing Europe's resolve.

• At the same time, several European countries announced that they would recognize an independent Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly this month, a position that is in sharp contrast to that of the United States and Israel.
• Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described this initiative as "dangerous," stating that it "rewards Hamas for the atrocities of October 7 and encourages the group to continue the war."

All of this is happening against the backdrop of extremely fragile ceasefire negotiations. According to Palestinian sources, Hamas has approved a new ceasefire proposal presented by mediators Egypt, Qatar, and the US, which provides for the gradual release of hostages during an initial 60-day truce in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas claims that it will not release the hostages without a final agreement to end the war and refuses to disarm until an independent Palestinian state is created.

The escalation of the conflict in Doha, coinciding with the dramatic events in Gaza, creates an extremely unstable situation that could thwart all diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in the region.