New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): Hours after Israeli strikes killed top Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital Doha, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday expressed concern over the development, urging all parties to exercise “restraint” and prioritize “diplomacy” to maintain regional stability.
“We have seen reports about the Israeli strikes in Doha earlier today. We are deeply concerned by this development and its impact on the security situation in the region. We strongly urge restraint and diplomacy, so that peace and security in the region is not endangered,” the MEA said in a statement.
Earlier, Israel confirmed carrying out an airstrike in Doha that killed five Hamas members, CNN reported. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized that the operation was conducted entirely by Israel.
“Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” Netanyahu posted on X.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also issued a statement, saying, “The IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization. For years, these members have led the group’s operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating the war against the State of Israel.”
The IDF added that precautionary measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions and additional intelligence.
Hamas confirmed the deaths of five members in the strike but claimed Israel failed to assassinate its ceasefire negotiation team, The Times of Israel reported. According to Hamas, those killed included Himam al-Hayya, son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, and Jihad Labad Abu Bilal, the office director of Khalil al-Hayya. The other three—Abdullah Abu Khalil, Muaman Abu Omar, and Ahmad Abu Malek—were identified as bodyguards or advisers to senior officials.
Hamas further alleged that the attack occurred while its delegation was discussing a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal. “The attack on the delegation while it was discussing the American ceasefire proposal proves that Netanyahu and his government are not interested in reaching any agreement,” Hamas said, according to The Times of Israel.
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