Multiple explosions reported in Qatar, Israel links it to Hamas assassination attempt

Israeli officials said the explosion in Doha is an assassination attempt against Hamas officials.

Several blasts were heard in Doha as black smoke rose over the skyline of the Qatari capital on Tuesday, multiple media sources reported.

Shortly after the explosion, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement that it had targeted “senior leadership” of Hamas with “a precise strike” in a joint operation with the Shin Bet security agency.

Tuesday's strikes in energy-rich nation on the Arabian Peninsula where the Palestinian group's political bureau is based, come less than two weeks after Israel Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir vowed to target the group's leaders based abroad.

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari condemned the attack.

"The State of Qatar strongly condemns this attack, and affirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the continuous tampering with the security of the region and any action aimed at its security and sovereignty," Ansari said in ministry statement posted on X.

"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," the ministry statement added.

It is worth mentioning that Hamas and Israel have held multiple rounds of indirect ceasefire negotiations brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States throughout the nearly two-year Gaza war.

Despite two temporary truces, the talks have failed to bring a lasting end to the war.

Probe on

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson added that a probe has been initiated at the highest level.

"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," added Ansari.

Meanwhile, national carrier Qatar Airways continued landing in Doha amid the strike, even as at least one Qatari air force aircraft took off on patrol over the country.

It is the second time in as many years that the energy-rich nation, which hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, has been directly attacked in the nearly two years of war that have gripped the entire Middle East region since Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

(with agency inputs)