POLITICS: Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar was fair game — and can speed an end to the Gaza war

Israel took a big step toward ending the war in Gaza with Tuesday’s strike on Hamas leadership in Qatar.

It wasn’t immediately clear if any top terror bosses met their maker, but the strike left no doubt for any who survived: Israel is coming for them.

If the hostages in Gaza aren’t returned and Hamas fighters don’t disarm, the terror kingpins’ days are numbered. No matter where they hide.

Some reports suggested Israel took out a leader or three, though Hamas denied any were among five people it said died.

Either way, the attack had huge value: Hamas’ chiefs thought they had safe refuge in Qatar — far from the fighting and squalor in Gaza.

They lived lives of luxury in five-star hotels, reportedly sitting on an $11 billion stash, even as Gaza civilians suffered.

They could turn down cease-fire deals with no fear of personal consequences, especially since Qatar is a US ally.

Now any who survived must know that fear.

“The days when the heads of terror enjoyed immunity anywhere are over,” warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hear, hear.

Critics charged that the attack (which many actually claimed was unjustified!) jeopardized talks toward a peace agreement that can get hostages home, and violated Qatar’s sovereignty.

Nonsense. After the terror group repeatedly turned down generous offers for temporary cease-fires, Israel refused to entertain any deal that didn’t include the return of all hostages and Hamas’ disarmament.

Either the group agrees to that or it doesn’t, and never mind more talks.

Meanwhile, Israel has threatened a full-scale invasion of Gaza City to take out Hamas remnants and prevent the terrorists from regrouping.

Between that and the Qatar strike, Hamas clearly faces enormous pressure to end the war.

As for being justified, Israeli leaders decided to hit Hamas leadership in Qatar after the group publicly claimed responsibility for a barbaric shooting attack in Jerusalem that left six innocents dead.

The leaders in Qatar are also responsible for Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, atrocities, which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw another 251 taken hostage.

As for Qatari sovereignty, sorry: It goes out the window when the country harbors mass murderers. Especially after having funded Hamas for years.

True, the terror group may now dig in its heels and refuse any terms to end the war. But that doesn’t change Israel’s goals: to rescue the hostages and defeat Hamas.

With or without a deal, Tuesday’s strike puts the terrorists’ leaders on notice — and moves the Jewish state closer to achieving those goals.