Hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza were dealt a devastating blow on Tuesday after Israel struck Hamas leaders who were actively engaged in peace negotiations in Doha, Qatar. The attack targeted senior members of the Palestinian group as they were reportedly discussing a ceasefire framework proposed by Donald Trump, transforming a site of diplomacy into a scene of conflict.
The irony of the timing is stark, as the Hamas delegation was present in the Gulf city specifically to respond to a peace initiative. While Hamas had initially described Trump’s proposal as a “humiliating surrender document,” the group had agreed to formally discuss it. The Israeli strike on the negotiators could be interpreted as a definitive rejection of the diplomatic path, prioritizing military action over dialogue.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left no room for doubt about his government’s involvement, taking full public responsibility for the operation. The Israeli military justified the action by labeling the targeted individuals as key figures behind the October 7th attacks and the ongoing war effort. Among those believed to be hit were Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, crucial members of Hamas’s top command.
The international ramifications are immediate and severe. Qatar, which has staked its diplomatic reputation on mediating the conflict, condemned the attack on its sovereign territory as “cowardly.” The strike not only jeopardizes the release of hostages and a pause in fighting but also fundamentally undermines the role of neutral mediators in resolving the long-standing conflict.