Doha, Qatar – Tensions in the Middle East have escalated after Israel launched an airstrike on Qatar, targeting political leaders of Hamas on Tuesday night.
Israel officials confirmed to Reuters that the strike in the capital Doha was aimed at top Hamas leaders currently residing there, including Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s exiled Gaza chief and chief negotiator.
The strike comes one day after two Palestinian gunmen killed six people at a Jerusalem bus stop last October 7.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they will take full responsibility for the attack.
Israeli media reported that Hamas confirmed the deaths of five members, including the son of al-Hayya, while Qatar’s negotiating team survived.
The nation also condemned the strike and stated that the move clearly violated international law.
Qatar is currently mediating between Hamas and Israel.
Meanwhile in Gaza, panic spread as Israel urged Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City ahead of its effort to end Hamas’ last strongholds.
According to Israeli figures, Hamas’s assault killed 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken as the war continued.
While Palestinian officials say over 64,000 have died in Gaza during their offensive.
On the other hand, no Filipinos were directly affected by the recent offensive in Qatar, according to the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs.