The spokesperson for the movement, Fawzi Barhoum, stated that Israel seeks to thwart efforts to end the war in Gaza, considering its attempts as a pursuit of an illusory victory after its failure in Gaza. He confirmed that this will not change the movement’s positions.
He added that the Israeli attack constitutes a blatant assault on Qatar’s sovereignty and a declaration of war that threatens regional stability and puts regional security at risk. Barhoum pledged to continue fighting against Israel, calling on Arab leaders to take political and legal steps against it.
He pointed out that the targeting of the negotiating delegation coincided with discussions on Trump’s proposal to ceasefire, asserting that the attack will not change the movement’s conditions for ending the Gaza war.
The Israeli army stated in a statement last Tuesday: “The IDF and the ‘Shin Bet’, through the Air Force, precisely targeted the leadership of the Hamas movement a short while ago.” It added, “The leaders targeted have led Hamas’ terrorist activities over the years and bear direct responsibility for the acts of October 7, 2023, and the management of the war against Israel.”
The Israeli army continued in its statement: “The army will continue to act firmly until the elimination of the Hamas organization responsible for October 7.” Earlier, Israeli Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir threatened to eliminate Hamas leaders abroad amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
