• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Several powerful explosions shook Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, sending plumes of smoke over the Katara District, witnesses told Reuters. The blasts, which caused widespread panic, are suspected to be part of an assassination attempt targeting Hamas officials, according to Axios, citing Israeli officials. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as emergency services rushed to the area to respond to the incident.

The attack marks an expansion of Israel’s military operations against Hamas, which have previously spanned across the Middle East, now reaching the Gulf Arab state where the Palestinian Islamist group has long maintained a political presence. An Israeli official confirmed to Reuters that Israel had carried out a targeted strike on Hamas leadership in Qatar.

ALSO READ: Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli Resigns After 19 Killed In Violent Gen Z Protests | What Led To His Ouster?

Targeted Strike On Gaza Negotiators

Qatar’s Al Jazeera, citing a Hamas source, reported that the strike specifically targeted Hamas Gaza ceasefire negotiators, highlighting the sensitive nature of the operation amid ongoing regional tensions. Israeli media, quoting a senior Israeli official, stated that the attack aimed at top Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s Gaza chief.

Eyewitnesses reported that smoke was rising from various parts of the city, including the Legtifya petrol station, creating a scene of panic and confusion. The rapid deployment of emergency response teams helped contain the immediate damage, but the blasts left the local population shaken.

International Condemnation

The attack drew swift condemnation from international actors. Qatar condemned the strike as a “cowardly Israeli attack” on Hamas headquarters in Doha, calling it a violation of international law. 

"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," said Majed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Qatar Prime Minister and official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a post on X. 

The Qatari government called the assault a violation of international law and a threat to the safety of residents. Authorities immediately responded to contain the incident, and investigations are ongoing. Qatar affirmed it will not tolerate actions that threaten its security and sovereignty.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson described the assault as “dangerous” and a clear violation of international norms, further escalating diplomatic tensions in the region.

Israel’s army radio confirmed the military operation, describing it as a targeted effort against Hamas officials in Qatar. This development comes amid heightened conflict across the Middle East, where Israel and Hamas have been engaged in escalating hostilities. The extension of Israeli operations into Qatar signals a new phase in the ongoing regional struggle, potentially widening the conflict beyond the borders of Gaza and Israel.

ALSO READ: KP Sharma Oli’s Political Journey:  A Look Back At Nepal PM's Controversies That Led To His Ouster