Several blasts were heard across Qatar's capital Doha as Israeli army radio said that Israel tried to attack Hamas officials in the city on Tuesday, reports said. Qatar's state-funded broadcaster Al Jazeera television cited a Hamas source as saying that the attack targeted Hamas Gaza ceasefire negotiators.
Qatar condemned the 'cowardly Israeli attack' on Hamas headquarters in Doha, calling it a violation of international law.
The Israeli Defense Force acknowledged the precision strikes on Doha, and tweeted, "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," it added.
Dr. Majed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Qatar Prime Minister and official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the attack, and tweeted, "The State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha. This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar. 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."
"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," Ansari added.
Witnesses told Reuters that several blasts were heard across Qatar's capital.
Reuters quoted Israeli official as saying that the attack was aimed at top Hamas leaders including Khalil al-Hayya, its Gaza chief.
Eyewitnesses told agencies that smoke was seen rising over the Katara District in the capital.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel’s strikes on Qatar's capital Doha as a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar.”
“All parties must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not destroying it,” Guterres told reporters.
Also Read - UN chief Guterres condemns Israeli strikes on Qatar's capital Doha
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