Explosions in Qatar's Doha as Israel Targets Hamas Leaders
Reports of explosions in Qatar's capital, Doha, have emerged following an announcement by the Israeli military that it carried out a targeted airstrike on senior Hamas leaders. The attack, confirmed by an Israeli official to have occurred in Doha, risks complicating ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
Plumes of black smoke rise over Doha, Qatar, following an Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders.
Shortly after the Israeli military declared it had carried out an airstrike against top Hamas leaders, several explosions have been reported in Doha, the capital of Qatar. An Israeli official told the Associated Press that the attack happened in Doha, although Israel's military did not say where it happened.
The city was filled with loud explosions and black smoke plumes, but no casualties have been confirmed as of yet.
The attack, which targets Hamas leaders in a third nation, represents a significant step up in Israel's war against the group. According to an Israeli military statement, the strike was "precise" and targeted senior Hamas members who "are directly responsible for the brutal October 7, 2023, massacre."
Strike Complicates Ceasefire Talks and Hostage Negotiations
The attack could have significant diplomatic repercussions. Qatar has long served as a key mediator in talks between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Following the strike, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, condemned the "cowardly Israeli attack," calling it a "flagrant violation of all international laws and norms."
The Israeli military has previously vowed to target Hamas leaders abroad. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the action on X, stating that "Terrorists have no immunity and will never have immunity from Israel's long arm anywhere in the world."
