A Failed Assassination? Hamas's Bizarre Statement on the Israeli Strike

In its first official statement since the Israeli strike in Doha, Hamas has claimed that the assassination attempt on its negotiating team was unsuccessful. The terrorist organization called the strike a "heinous crime," a "blatant aggression," and a "clear violation of all international conventions and laws."

Hamas's statement condemned the attack on the sovereignty of Qatar, which, along with Egypt, has played a crucial role in mediating a ceasefire and a hostage exchange agreement. Hamas said the strike "exposes once again the criminal nature of Israel and its desire to eliminate any opportunity to reach an agreement."

While claiming the attempt on the top leaders failed, Hamas did confirm the deaths of five members of the negotiating delegation and their escorts. The statement identified the deceased as:

Hamas concluded its statement by saying that the attempted assassination would not change its positions or demands for a permanent end to the war, a complete withdrawal from Gaza, a prisoner exchange, and reconstruction aid.

Meanwhile, Israeli media reports revealed that the strike, codenamed "Peak of Fire," targeted a two-story villa used as a meeting and guesthouse for Hamas leaders. The building was given the nickname "Assembly of Judgment" by Israeli intelligence. A senior security source estimates that six senior Hamas leaders were killed in the strike, though Hamas’s statement does not corroborate this.

The strike marks the first time Israel has conducted a targeted assassination in Qatar, a country where Hamas leaders have long felt secure. This sense of security was based on Qatar's role as a mediator in hostage talks and the widely held belief that Israel would not operate in a country that is also a key U.S. ally. The strike shattered this assumption.