PM Netanyahu Admits Israeli Military Attacks Hamas Leader In Qatar

JAKARTA - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered security forces to prepare to attack the leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, following a deadly attack in Jerusalem on Monday.

Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Monday, killing six people in what police described as "terrorist attacks," one of the city's deadliest in recent years.

PM Netanyahu said, given the "operational opportunity" and after discussions with high-ranking security agencies, he and Israeli Defense Minister Katz chose to carry out the attack and "the attack was carried out with precision and success."

"The Prime Minister and Minister of Defense believe that the operation is fully justified given the fact that these Hamas leaders initiated and organized the October 7 massacre, and have continued to launch deadly attacks on the State of Israel and its citizens since then, including claiming responsibility for the deaths of our civilians in yesterday's attack on Jerusalem," Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Katz said in a joint statement.

As previously reported, Israel launched an attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar, expanding its military action that has covered the entire Middle East to include the Gulf Arab state where the Palestinian Islamist group has long owned its political base.

An Israeli official confirmed to Reuters that Israel had launched an attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar.

Qatar's Al Jazeera television, citing Hamas sources, said the attack targeted negotiators of the Hamas ceasefire in Gaza.

Several explosions were heard in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, September 9, according to Reuters witnesses.

A puff of black smoke rose from the Legifya gas station in the city. Right next to the gas station, there is a small housing complex guarded by Qatar emiri troops 24 hours a day since the beginning of the Gaza conflict.

Israeli media, citing a senior Israeli official, said the attack was aimed at high-ranking Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, the chief Hamas in exiled Gaza and the main negotiator.