DOHA/DUBAI/WASHINGTON, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Israel attempted to kill the political leaders of Hamas with an airstrike on Qatar on Tuesday, escalating its military action in the Middle East with what the U.S. described as a unilateral attack that does not advance American and Israeli interests.

Benjamin Netanyahu says the attack targeting Hamas leaders was "fully justified" - but Qatar calls the strike a "blatant violation".

During a recent cabinet meeting, Barnea reportedly told ministers, "You can’t eliminate senior Hamas officials abroad while negotiations are still ongoing with them. " Israeli officials claim that the Israeli strike in Qatar,