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| The Israeli military, while confirming the attack in Doha, said it had conducted a precise strike against the senior Hamas leadership. (REUTERS) |
Qatar has strongly condemned a series of Israeli airstrikes that rocked its capital, Doha, on Tuesday, after multiple explosions were heard across the city. The strikes, which Israel confirmed, targeted senior members of Hamas’ political leadership living in Qatar.
In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, denounced the attack as a “reckless act” that violated international law and endangered Qatari citizens.
“The State of Qatar will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and the ongoing disruption of regional security,” the statement read. “This strike on residential buildings housing members of the Hamas Political Bureau in Doha is a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a direct threat to the safety of our people.”
Authorities in Doha confirmed that security forces, civil defense units, and other agencies had been deployed to the affected areas. The government said emergency operations were underway to secure the scene and protect residents.
“Investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as they are available,” the statement added.
Israel Confirms Strikes, Names Target
The Israeli military acknowledged carrying out the strikes, describing them as “precise operations” aimed at eliminating Hamas leaders accused of masterminding terrorist attacks, including the deadly October 7 massacre in Israel.
“For years, these members of Hamas’ leadership have directed the terrorist organization’s operations and have been orchestrating the ongoing war against the State of Israel,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.
The IDF added that it had taken steps to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision-guided munitions and advanced intelligence gathering before the strikes.
Among those reportedly targeted was Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’ exiled Gaza chief and a key figure in the group’s external leadership.
Qatar’s Role as Mediator
Hamas’ political leadership has long been based in Qatar, which has served as a mediator in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, particularly in ceasefire and hostage-exchange talks.
This unprecedented strike marks a serious escalation in the region, potentially threatening Qatar’s diplomatic role and heightening tensions in the Middle East.
As of Tuesday evening, there were no confirmed reports of casualties, but eyewitnesses reported heavy damage to residential areas near the strike zones.
International observers have expressed concern that the attack could further destabilize the Gulf region, with calls already emerging for restraint and diplomatic resolution.