• U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson calls for Hamas leadership to accept ceasefire proposal as negotiations stall
  • Recent Israeli airstrike in Doha targeted Hamas officials discussing the American-brokered deal
  • Diplomatic tensions rise as Qatar, a key mediator, expresses concern over the unprecedented strike

Speaker Mike Johnson expressed hope that Hamas leaders would "come to their senses" and accept a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage-release proposal, according to people familiar with his recent remarks. The statement comes amid escalating pressure on the militant group as Israeli military operations intensify.

The political appeal follows an unprecedented Israeli airstrike in Doha that targeted top Hamas officials gathered to discuss the American ceasefire proposal. The attack, which occurred while Qatar was hosting active ceasefire negotiations, resulted in several fatalities including family members and security personnel, though it failed to eliminate the targeted leaders, according to sources briefed on the operation.

"This represents the last warning to Hamas," said one administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing diplomacy. The Trump administration has made clear this is the final opportunity for Hamas to accept the current deal before facing potentially more severe consequences.

Hamas has remained publicly resistant to U.S. and Israeli demands, with particular skepticism around requirements regarding disarmament and Palestinian statehood prospects. The group's provisional leadership committee, formed after recent assassinations of key figures including Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh, and Yahya Sinwar, has shown little indication of softening its position despite mounting international pressure.

Qatar's foreign ministry indicated the Gulf state was not forewarned about the Doha strike, straining diplomatic relations with a key U.S. ally that hosts both negotiations and an American military base. The incident marks a significant escalation in Israel's longstanding policy of targeted assassinations, particularly given the location in the capital of a mediating state.

Efforts to reach Hamas representatives for comment were unsuccessful. A State Department spokesperson declined to discuss specific operational details but reiterated that "all parties should focus on achieving a sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages."

With negotiations at a critical impasse and neither side showing willingness to compromise on core demands, the prospect of a durable peace remains remote without a major policy shift, according to regional analysts. The continued threat to Hamas leadership is likely to drive the group further underground rather than hasten a deal, potentially prolonging the conflict that began with the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of Yahya Sinwar's assassination. It occurred on October 16, 2024.