Blasts Reported Near Hamas Office in Doha as Israel Claims Attack on Group's Leaders

Israel’s military said it had targeted Hamas leaders with an airstrike shortly after several blasts were reported by witnesses in the Qatari capital on Tuesday, with smoke seen rising north of the city centre, Reuters reported. If confirmed, it would be the first time Israel has launched a military strike against Hamas in Qatar, which has hosted the group’s political bureau since 2012. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it had conducted “a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization,” which is based in Doha. “Prior to the strike, measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence,” the statement added. Qatar has hosted members of Hamas’ political wing since 2012 as part of an agreement with the United States. But in November 2024, the United States requested that Qatar expel the militant group’s political wing from the country. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the offices would remain open, despite a pause in negotiations between Israel and Hamas at the time, according to spokesman Majed Al Ansari. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called the attack “cowardly,” adding that it also targeted residential buildings alongside Hamas offices. “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 spokesperson Al Ansari, adding that Qatar “will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior”.