Several explosions were reported in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Tuesday, as Israel’s military announced it had carried out an airstrike targeting senior Hamas leaders. The Israeli military did not provide details about the exact location of the strike but confirmed its objective was to hit top members of the Palestinian group.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (ISA) released a statement saying, “The IDF (Israeli military) and ISA (security agency) conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation. For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organisation's operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 (2023) massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.”

An Israeli military official told AFP, “The name of the operation in Doha is Summit of Fire. These were air strikes.” The operation follows earlier statements by IDF Chief of the General Staff, Eyal Zamir, who had vowed to target Hamas leaders based abroad. Zamir had said on August 31, “Most of Hamas's leadership is abroad, and we will reach them as well.”

Why Qatar is important and reactions to the strike

Qatar has long been home to exiled Hamas leaders and has served as a mediator in talks between Hamas and Israel for years. The strike is likely to complicate ongoing negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.

Qatar strongly condemned the airstrikes, calling them a “cowardly Israeli attack” on the political headquarters of Hamas. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari described it as a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.” He added on X, “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. This is a criminal assault and a blatant violation of international laws and norms. The attack poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.”

Al-Ansari further stated, “The Ministry affirms that the security forces, civil defence, 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. While the State of Qatar strongly condemns this assault, it confirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour 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.”

Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the attack, saying, “Terrorists have no immunity and will never have immunity from Israel's long arm anywhere in the world. Right decision and a perfect execution by the IDF (Israeli military) and the Shin Bet (security agency).”

A White House official confirmed that Israel had informed the United States about the strike in advance, according to AFP.

The airstrikes mark a significant escalation in Israel’s efforts to target Hamas leaders abroad and are likely to have broader implications for regional security and ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

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