The Israeli military has said it has targeted the leadership of Hamas with strikes on Qatar’s capital Doha.
Qatar has condemned the “cowardly Israeli attack” on the Palestinian militant group’s political headquarters in the city, calling it a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms”.
Several explosions were heard in the city, with smoke seen rising over the Katara district.
No injuries have so far been reported.
An IDF statement said: “The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation.”
Hamas’ exiled leadership has long-been based in Qatar, which has served as a mediator in talks between Hamas and Israel for several years, even before the latest war in the Gaza Strip.
A strike on its top leadership could further complicate negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ incursion on 7 October 2023.
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It also marks the second time Israel has launched a strike on Qatar since the conflict began.
Qatari Foreign Ministriy spokesman Majed Al Ansari said: “The State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha.
“This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.
“The ministry affirms that the security forces, civil defense, and relevant authorities immediately began addressing the incident and taking necessary measures to contain its repercussions and ensure the safety of the residents and surrounding areas.”
He added that Qatar will not “tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour” and the “ongoing disruption of regional security”.
Qatar Airways continued landing in Doha amid the strike, even as at least one Qatari air force aircraft took off on patrol over the country.
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