Hamas Official Speaks Out Following Israeli Attack in Qatar

In the wake of a significant Israeli attack targeting Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad has provided his first comments. Speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic, Hamad detailed the harrowing experience of the attack, which occurred while he and other officials were engaged in critical negotiations regarding a ceasefire and the fate of Israeli captives held in Gaza.

Context of the Attack

The incident unfolded last week when Israeli forces initiated an assault aimed at assassinating prominent Hamas leaders. This attack resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members and a Qatari security official. The targeted individuals were reportedly involved in negotiations facilitated by Qatari mediators, which included proposals from former U.S. President Donald Trump concerning a potential ceasefire and the treatment of captives.

Hamad described the atmosphere during the attack as “intense,” recalling that the meeting had just commenced when they heard the first loud explosions. “We were in a meeting, the negotiating delegation and some advisers. Less than an hour after we began reviewing the American proposal that we received from the Qatari mediators, we heard loud explosions,” he recounted.

Reaction to the Attack

In response to the attack, which marked Israel’s first military operation in Qatar, leaders from various Arab and Islamic nations convened in Doha for an emergency summit. During this meeting, they condemned the Israeli strike as “cowardly” and called for a unified response from the Arab world. Hamad emphasized that the leaders’ reactions were necessary, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans for the region warranted a robust response from Arab nations.

“We immediately left the scene, because we knew from the start that the explosions were Israeli shelling. We’ve lived in Gaza and experienced Israeli shelling before,” Hamad noted, reflecting on the immediate danger they faced.

Treatment of Captives

Addressing the issue of Israeli captives held in Gaza, Hamad stated that they are treated according to the values of Hamas and that their safety is compromised solely due to Israeli actions. He responded to threats made by Trump regarding the treatment of these captives, asserting, “He [Trump] doesn’t scare us.” Hamad insisted that the situation of the captives is a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict and the aggressive actions taken by Israel.

Despite the attack, Hamas leaders reportedly survived, which Trump expressed dissatisfaction about, stating he was “very unhappy” with the outcome. On a separate occasion, Trump reiterated his assertion that Israel would refrain from further attacks on Qatar, a claim that has raised eyebrows given the recent events.

Broader Implications and Human Rights Concerns

The Israeli attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar comes amid escalating violence in the region. A recent United Nations inquiry has classified Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocide, a conclusion echoed by several prominent human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli forces have killed over 65,000 people since the beginning of October 2023, with approximately 19,000 of those being children.

Hamad described the negotiations surrounding the ceasefire as a “bitter” experience, suggesting that the United States lacks the credibility to act as a neutral mediator in the conflict. This sentiment resonates with ongoing discussions about the role of international actors in the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in light of the recent violence and humanitarian crises.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

In a related development, South Africa has brought a case before the International Court of Justice, arguing that Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip constitute genocide. These legal proceedings are ongoing and highlight the international community’s growing concern over the situation in Gaza.

Conclusion

As the situation continues to evolve, the comments from Ghazi Hamad provide insight into the immediate aftermath of the Israeli attack and the broader implications for the Israel-Palestine conflict. The response from Arab nations and the international community will be crucial in determining the next steps in the ongoing crisis.

Key Facts

– Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas official, spoke about the Israeli attack in Qatar.
– The attack killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security official.
– The assault occurred during negotiations for a ceasefire and the treatment of Israeli captives.
– A UN inquiry has declared Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide.
– Over 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, including approximately 19,000 children.
– South Africa has initiated legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Source: www.aljazeera.com