Israel has confirmed carrying out a strike against senior Hamas figures in Doha, the Qatari capital, marking what appears to be the first Israeli operation on Qatari soil.
An Israeli source told CNN the strike came after explosions were heard in Doha on Tuesday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in a joint statement with the Shin Bet security agency, said it had conducted “a precise strike” targeting the “senior leadership” of Hamas.
“For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organisation’s operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7th massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel,” the statement read.
While the IDF did not specify the location of the strike, its language suggested the operation occurred outside Gaza. Smoke was seen rising in parts of Doha following multiple blasts, according to eyewitnesses and images circulating on Tuesday.
Hamas has maintained a political base in Qatar for years, with several of its top leaders residing in the Gulf state. Just a day before the strike, Hamas’ chief negotiator, Khalil Al-Hayya, met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in the capital.
The unprecedented attack could carry major diplomatic consequences, given Qatar’s role as a mediator in negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Doha has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Melissa Enoch
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