In brief
An Israeli airstrike aimed at Hamas leadership occurred in Doha, Qatar, with the sound of an explosion reported. The attack raises concerns over the impact on ceasefire negotiations amid ongoing tensions that began with Hamas's assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli official has told The Associated Press that it targeted Hamas' leadership in Qatar's capital, Doha. The official spoke on condition of anonymity and did not provide further details beyond the public statement.According to Israel's military, an airstrike was carried out, though it did not specify the exact location. Eyewitness reports indicated an explosion heard in Doha, with the Qatari state-funded news network, Al Jazeera, linking the blast to the Israeli military operations. Smoke was seen rising into the air, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.Hamas' exiled leadership has long operated from Qatar, which has acted as a mediator between Hamas and Israel for several years, even before the recent escalation in violence. A strike on key Hamas figures could severely hinder negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.Qatar, rich in energy resources, saw the noise of the explosion echoed through its capital. Local officials have not responded to inquiries for comments regarding the incident.
