Qatar will continue trying to mediate a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza despite Israel's deadly attack on a Hamas compound in Doha, its prime minister said on Tuesday.

Six people died, including top Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya's son and a Qatari security officer, in an unprecedented airstrike that threatened to derail flagging mediation efforts.

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said Qatar reserved "the right to respond to this blatant attack", calling the strike a "pivotal moment" for the region.

But he added: "Nothing will deter us from continuing this (mediation) role for all the different issues around us in the region."

He blamed Israel for sabotaging what he said were chances for peace, sharply criticising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu whom he said practised "state terrorism".

Netanyahu has said the attack was "entirely justified" and was ordered after an attack in Jerusalem and the loss of four Israeli soldiers in Gaza.

Doha, a key US ally that hosts the largest American base in the region, has hosted Hamas' political bureau since 2012 with the blessing of the United States.

The White House said President Donald Trump did not agree with Israel's decision to take military action on the US ally's soil, and had warned Qatar in advance of the incoming strikes.

But al-Thani said US officials first warned Qatar of the Israeli attack 10 minutes after it began, describing the strike as "100 percent treacherous." (Agencies)