Defense Minister Katz Affirms There Is No Shelter For Israel's Enemy

JAKARTA - Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, insists there is no safe place for Israeli enemies to take refuge after an attack targeting high-ranking Palestinian militant group Hamas drew criticism.

"Israel's security doctrine is clear, its irony hands will act against its enemies everywhere," he said in a statement.

"There is no place for them to hide," he said.

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.

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.

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

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

Hamas confirmed that none of its officials had died as a result of the attack. However, they confirmed the attack killed six people, including the son of a Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, Khalil al-Hayya, Humam, and a Qatari soldier.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the Israeli military to prepare to attack the leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, following a deadly attack on Jerusalem on Monday.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had carried out a special operation against senior Hamas officials, but did not specify it. The statement comes amid reports of a series of explosions in Doha.

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.

Defense Minister Katz did not respond to indications that several Hamas leaders targeted in Doha were not killed in the attack, but said anyone involved in the October 7, 2023 attack would get justice.

He also repeated his demands that Hamas approve Israel's terms to end the war, including freeing the hostages and stripping them of weapons.

Otherwise, "They will be eradicated and Gaza will be destroyed," he stressed.