An explosion shook Doha’s Katara district on Tuesday in what Israeli media is calling an attempt to assassinate senior Hamas figures.
N12, a prominent Israeli news outlet, quoted senior officials as saying the strike was directed at Hamas leadership and headquarters. Witnesses in the area reported smoke billowing from the scene, though no casualties have been confirmed. Qatari authorities have not yet issued a response.
A senior Israeli official described the incident as a “retaliation operation” against Hamas leaders. According to reports, an Israeli delegation is currently in Qatar to review details of the mission.
Officials told N12 that after initial uncertainty, it became evident the target was Hamas leadership and its command center.
The blast comes against the backdrop of mounting regional tensions, following recent violence in east Jerusalem and other flashpoints involving Israel and Palestinian factions.
READ ALSO:
Shortly after the incident, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged striking a Hamas target, without naming the location.
“The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization.
“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.
“Prior to the strike, measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence.
“The IDF and ISA will continue to operate with determination in order to defeat the Hamas terrorist organization responsible for the October 7 massacre,” the statement read.