Hamas: Israeli Attack On Qatar Efforts To Thwart Ceasefire Negotiations

JAKARTA - The Israeli attack targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar is considered an attempt to thwart ceasefire negotiations.

But the Israeli attack is said to not change the Palestinian group's requirements to end the war in Gaza.

Israel attempted to kill Hamas political leaders by airstrikes in Doha on Tuesday.

In a televised address, Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum said the attack was not only an attempt to kill the negotiating delegation, but also a major blow to the entire process and a clear message against a ceasefire deal.

He also accused Israel of targeting the mediation efforts of Qatar and Egypt.

"This attack is a blatant confirmation of Netanyahu and his criminal groups over their refusal to reach any agreement and their insistence on thwarting all regional and international efforts aimed at stopping genocide," Barhoum said.

However, the group has not officially announced that it will close the door for future negotiations.

Barhoum said the attack targeted the group's negotiating delegation as they discussed a new ceasefire proposal submitted by Prime Minister Qatari the day before.

"At the time of the terrorist attack, the negotiating delegation was in the process of discussing their response to the proposal," he said.

Barhoum reiterated Hamas' main demands: a full ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, exchange of prisoners with hostages, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for an "all or nothing" deal that will free all hostages at once and Hamas surrender.

Hamas said five of its members were killed in the attack, including the son of Hamas head in exiled Gaza and major negotiator Khalil al-Hayya.