Several explosions were reported in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Tuesday, with witnesses saying smoke was seen rising over the Katara district, according to Israeli media citing senior government officials.
According to Israeli Army Radio, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) carried out a targeted strike against senior Hamas officials. The IDF said those targeted were involved in orchestrating operations against Israel, including the October 7 attacks.
Two Hamas sources said that members of the group’s ceasefire negotiating team survived the attack, as quoted by Reuters.
In a statement on X, the Israeli military said it used “precise munitions” and relied on “additional intelligence” to minimize civilian harm. It added that operations against Hamas leadership would continue.
Israel confirmed that the operation against Hamas leaders was entirely its own initiative and execution, with full responsibility assumed by the Israeli government.
"Today's action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility," Israeli prime minister said through a post on X.
US president Donald Trump approved of the strike on Hamas leadership in Qatar, Israeli officials citing Israeli Channel 12 reported.
The US Embassy in Doha has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid security saying, "US citizens are advised to shelter-in-place and monitor @USEmbassyDoha social media for updates."
Al Jazeera, citing a Hamas source, reported that the Hamas negotiations delegation was targeted during a meeting in Doha. Israeli media, quoting a senior official, said the strike aimed at top Hamas figures including Khalil al-Hayya and Saleh al-Arouri’s deputy Zaher Jabarin. The official said results of the attack were being awaited.
Hamas's leaders targeted in Israel’s strike in Doha were meeting to discuss the latest ceasefire proposal, a group's official was quoted as saying by AFP.
“In a new Zionist crime, the Hamas negotiating delegation was targeted during its meeting in Doha, while discussing (US) President (Donald) Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
Qatar condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly” Israeli strike on residential buildings that housed members of Hamas’s political bureau.
"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," Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said through a post on X.
"While the State of Qatar strongly condemns this assault, it confirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its security and sovereignty. Investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as they are available," he added.
The explosions mark a significant escalation, as this would be the first known Israeli strike on Qatari soil, a country that has acted as a key mediator in talks between Israel and Hamas.
India reacts
India on Tuesday expressed concern over reports of Israeli strikes in Doha, warning of their potential impact on regional security.
"We have seen reports about the Israeli strikes in Doha earlier today. We are deeply concerned by this development and its impact on the security situation in the region. We strongly urge restraint and diplomacy, so that peace and security in the region is not endangered," a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs read.
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