Israel has targeted senior Hamas leaders in Qatari capital Doha, with images showing smoke billowing across the sky after the strike.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on X it conducted a “precise strike” targeting senior leadership of Hamas.
“For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization's operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel,” the statement read.
Highlights
- Israel conducted a strike targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar.
- The IDF stated the strike was carefully planned to minimize civilian harm using precise munitions and intelligence.
- Qatar condemned the attack as a blatant violation of international law, targeting residential buildings housing Hamas officials.
Israel launched a strike on Hamas leadership in Doha
Image credits: X
“Prior to the strike, measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence.”
Qatar has strongly condemned the strike, describing it as a “blatant violation of international law” and saying it targeted residential buildings.
“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,” Dr. Majed Al Ansari, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said.
“This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.
“The Ministry affirms that the security forces, civil defense, and relevant authorities immediately began addressing the incident and taking necessary measures to contain its repercussions and ensure the safety of the residents and surrounding areas.”
Image credits: 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.”
The U.S. embassy in Qatar has issued a shelter-in-place order for its facilities and U.S. citizens in the area.
"We have seen reports of missile strikes occurring in Doha. The U.S. Embassy has instituted a shelter-in-place order for their facilities. U.S. citizens are advised to shelter-in-place and monitor @USEmbassyDoha social media for updates," it said in a statement on X.
Local media reported that Trump was informed of the planned strike
A Hamas source told Al Jazeera that Israel targeted the negotiation team who were meeting to discuss the U.S.'s latest ceasefire proposal.
The outlet further reported that American military sources in the region were not informed of the strike beforehand.
Image credits: X
Trump had posted a warning to Hamas on Truth Social on Sunday.
"Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well," he wrote.
"I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one!"
Details on the number of casualties have not yet been released, but Saudi television network Al-Arabiya reported that Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya was killed in the strike.
Other leaders thought to be present in the building when the missile struck include Zaher Jabarin, the leader of Hamas in the West Bank, Muhammad Darwish, head of Hamas’s Shura Council, and Khaled Mashaal, head of Hamas abroad.
Israel has claimed full responsibility for the strike.
"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," a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.
Israel has taken full responsibility for the strike
The Qatari royal family also gifted Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8, estimated to be worth $400m, which is expected to be used in his Air Force One fleet.
Trump has not publicly commented on the strike and the White House declined to release a statement to Al Jazeera.
Image credits: Ali Altunkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images
Qatar's Interior Ministry said specialized teams are at the scene of the explosion and that the situation is now safe.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was among those to condemn the attack, describing it "flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar" at a news conference.
"We are just learning about the Israeli attacks in Qatar, a country that has been playing a very positive role to achieve a ceasefire and release of all hostages," he said.
Qatar Airways says its operations were not impacted by the strike.
"The recent unfortunate events in Doha have not impacted Qatar Airways operations and there have been no disruptions as a result. The safety and security of our passengers have been and will always be our top priority," it said in a statement on X.
The attack comes a day after six Israelis were killed and eight others were wounded in a shooting in East Jerusalem carried out by Palestinian gunmen on Monday.