Israel carried out an airstrike in Doha on Tuesday that it said targeted senior Hamas leadership, sending plumes of smoke over the Qatari capital and drawing swift condemnation from Doha.
In a statement the Israel Defense Forces said the IDF and the Israel Security Agency, Shin Bet, "conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization." The statement said measures had been taken to reduce civilian harm, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence, but did not specify the precise location or the identities of those struck.
Qatar described the attack as a "cowardly" and "flagrant violation to all international law," according to a Qatari government statement. Local media and residents reported hearing several explosions and seeing large columns of smoke over parts of the city, including the Katara district.
Hamas accused Israel of targeting negotiators in Doha. Israeli media, citing a senior Israeli official, reported that the strike was aimed at top Hamas figures including Khalil al-Hayya, who is identified as a senior Gaza leader. There has been no independent confirmation of casualties or the identities of those affected.
An Israeli official told Reuters that the United States had been notified before the strike. The U.S. maintains its largest Middle East military base, Al Udeid Air Base, in Qatar. Qatar has played a role in mediating cease-fire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and Qatari officials said they continue to pursue a deal with the United States despite the attack.
The Israeli statement said forces would "continue to operate ... to defeat the Hamas terrorist organisation." There were no immediate public statements from U.S. officials on the incident beyond acknowledging they had been notified, and spokespeople for Hamas did not provide independent verification of the group's account to international outlets at the time.
Images from the scene and reports from residents showed smoke rising over Doha after the blasts; Qatari authorities did not immediately release details on casualties or damage. The Qatari condemnation framed the strike as a breach of Qatar's sovereignty and international law and called for accountability.
The strike comes amid an extended and volatile period of conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has drawn regional concern over the risk of wider escalation. Qatar has for years hosted Hamas political figures and served as a mediator in prior cease-fire and hostage-negotiation efforts. Qatari officials said that while some Hamas leaders left Doha after Qatar scaled back mediation late last year, the country remains involved in efforts to secure a cease-fire and the release of hostages from Gaza.
International reactions were emerging as the situation developed. Journalists and analysts cautioned that independent verification of the strike’s specific targets and any casualties would take time, and diplomatic channels between the parties and their partners were reported to be active.
The incident was described by the IDF as a targeted operation carried out with Israeli security services. Qatar's government said it reserved the right to respond and demanded an immediate investigation. The situation remained fluid, and authorities and international observers said they would monitor for further developments.