Israel strikes Hamas leadership in Qatar in unprecedented attack. Here’s what to know

Israel launched a series of strikes targeting Hamas’ leadership in the Qatari capital Tuesday, in an unprecedented attack inside the territory of an important US ally and key mediator in the Gaza ceasefire talks.

Israel took the unusual step of swiftly claiming responsibility for the strikes saying it was part of an operation dubbed “Summit of Fire.”

Hamas said six people were killed, including five of its members but the strike failed to assassinate the negotiating delegation. Several nations have condemned the attack, with Qatar calling the strikes “state terrorism.” US President Donald Trump said he was “not thrilled about the whole situation.”

Israel’s latest attack on the soil of another nation has threatened to derail renewed ceasefire talks as well as efforts to secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages held in Hamas captivity. The strike came hours after Israel ordered the complete evacuation of Gaza City, where thousands of people are living in man-made famine conditions, ahead of its planned military takeover.

What happened?

Israel’s strikes in Doha hit the upscale residential neighbourhood of West Bay Lagoon that, according to Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, housed several members of the Hamas political bureau.

Five Hamas officials were killed in the strike, including Al-Hayya’s son and the director of his office, the group said. A Qatari security official died in the strike as well.

What has the US said?

President Trump has sought to distance himself from Israel’s attack in Qatar. The White House initially said the decision was made by Israel’s leader and that the US learned of it too late to intervene.