DOHA: Israel’s military said Tuesday it carried out an airstrike targeting Hamas leadership.
The announcement came after multiple explosions were heard in Doha, Qatar’s capital.
The Qatari-funded news network Al Jazeera linked the explosions to an Israeli announcement that it targeted top Hamas leaders in a strike. The loud blasts sent black smoke into the air. It wasn’t immediately clear if anyone was injured in the attack.
Qatar condemns
Qatar condemned the “cowardly Israeli attack” on Hamas headquarters in Doha and called it a violation of international law.
"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," said a post on X from Dr. Majed Al Ansari, advisor to the prime minister and official spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs.
He said that Qatar will not tolerate any disruption of regional security. Investigations are being carried out and further details will be announced soon, he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemns attack
In a post on X, Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote, “Our deepest sympathies and solidarity are with the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari Royal Family, as well as the people of Qatar at this difficult time.”
“This act of aggression by Israel is totally unjustified, a brazen violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar, and constitutes a most dangerous provocation that could imperil regional peace and stability. Pakistan stands firmly with the State of Qatar, as well as with the people of Palestine against Israel’s aggression.”
Qatar's role as mediator
Hamas’ exiled leadership has long been based in Qatar, which has served as a mediator in talks between Hamas and Israel for several years, even before the latest war in the Gaza Strip.
A strike on its top leadership could further complicate negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken in Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack.
With additional inputs from AP
