Multiple explosions rocked Qatar's capital Doha on Tuesday as Israeli forces conducted a precise strike targeting senior Hamas leadership. Smoke was seen rising over the Katara District with at least six powerful blasts heard across the city.
The Israeli Defence Forces confirmed it had launched the operation alongside the Israel Security Agency to target Hamas officials directly responsible for the October 7 attacks. A senior Israeli official told N12 that the strike was an assassination attempt against key Hamas figures at the organisation's headquarters.
Strike details
An IDF spokesman said: "For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organisation's operations. They are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel."
The i reports that Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas's exiled Gaza chief and top negotiator, was specifically identified as the primary target. The strike occurred during an active Hamas negotiating team meeting focused on Gaza ceasefire discussions.
Israeli officials emphasised that measures were taken to minimise civilian casualties, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence. The spokesman added: "The IDF and ISA will continue to operate with determination in order to defeat the Hamas terrorist organisation responsible for the October 7 massacre."
International response
Claims suggest the operation received US coordination, with reports that former President Trump gave a "green light" for the strike, though Netanyahu maintains it was an independent Israeli operation, according to Metro. The unprecedented nature of targeting negotiators during active peace talks in neutral Qatar territory marks a significant escalation.
Metro reports that the US Embassy issued shelter-in-place orders for American citizens in Doha following the explosions. The strike represents the first known Israeli military operation in Qatar, a country that has served as a key mediator in Hamas-Israel negotiations.
Sources used: "GB News", "The i", "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
