SAEDNEWS: Qatar continues to search for missing people and identify human remains following an Israeli strike targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha. The operation has sparked regional outrage and raised concerns about the future of ceasefire negotiations and hostage releases.
According to Saed News; Qatari authorities are still searching for missing people and identifying human remains following an Israeli strike targeting senior Hamas figures in Doha, raising tensions in the region and sparking international condemnation.
On Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike targeted residential premises housing senior Hamas political bureau members in northern Doha. The operation, dubbed “Operation Summit of Fire,” aimed to eliminate what Israel called the “terrorist masterminds” behind the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023.
Qatari officials confirmed that the strike killed at least five Hamas members, including Humam al-Hayya, son of chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, and Jihad Labad. Additionally, Corporal Badr al-Humaidi of Qatar’s Internal Security Force was among the fatalities.
The fate of Khalil al-Hayya remains unknown. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani emphasized that no official declaration has been made regarding the chief negotiator’s condition. He condemned the attack as “state terror” and urged regional partners to coordinate a collective response.
Israeli media reported growing pessimism within military circles, suggesting the strike may not have fully achieved its objectives. Some Hamas leaders could have been in different sections of the building, raising questions about the operation’s effectiveness.
The strike drew immediate condemnation from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Doha to show solidarity, warning that the attack threatened regional security and peace prospects. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called the strike a “brutal aggression” requiring a firm response.
US former President Donald Trump also expressed discontent, stating that unilateral bombing in Qatar undermined both US and Israeli goals while emphasizing the need to eliminate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
The Israeli strike targeted Hamas negotiators amid ongoing US-mediated ceasefire and hostage release discussions. Sheikh Mohammed warned that the operation could have destroyed remaining hope for the 48 hostages in Gaza.
Qatar’s government is reportedly reassessing its approach and coordinating with the US on next steps, with plans for a regional summit to discuss a collective response to Israel’s actions.
As search and identification efforts continue, the operation highlights the escalating regional tensions between Israel, Hamas, and Gulf states. Analysts suggest that the strike, whether fully successful or not, may intensify diplomatic, security, and humanitarian challenges across the Middle East.
