The Israeli navy has mentioned it has focused the management of Hamas with strikes on Qatar’s capital Doha.
Qatar has condemned the “cowardly Israeli attack” on the Palestinian militant group’s political headquarters within the metropolis, calling it a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms”.
A number of explosions have been heard within the metropolis, with smoke seen rising over the Katara district.
No accidents have up to now been reported.
An IDF assertion mentioned: “The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation.”
In an announcement after the assault, which did not particularly title Qatar, Israel’s navy mentioned Hamas’ leaders have been “directly responsible for the brutal October 7th massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel”.
The Israelis mentioned it used “precise munitions and additional intelligence” within the strike, with out elaborating.
Hamas’ exiled management has long-been based mostly in Qatar, which has served as a mediator in talks between Hamas and Israel for a number of years, even earlier than the most recent battle within the Gaza Strip.
A strike on its high management might additional complicate negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza and the discharge of hostages taken throughout Hamas’ incursion on 7 October 2023.
Israeli officers have despatched blended messages all through the battle, counting on Qatari mediation whereas additionally questioning its willingness to place stress on Hamas.
The US Embassy in Qatar mentioned that it had “instituted a shelter-in-place order for their facilities” following immediately’s strike.
“US citizens are advised to shelter-in-place,” it added.
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Smoke rises after a number of blasts in Doha. Pic: Reuters
Qatari Overseas Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari mentioned: “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 felony assault constitutes a blatant violation of all worldwide legal guidelines and norms, and poses a critical risk to the safety and security 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.”
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Smoke rises after a number of blasts have been heard in Doha, Qatar. Pic: Reuters
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Pic: Reuters
He added that Qatar won’t “tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour” and the “ongoing disruption of regional security”.
Qatar Airways continued touchdown in Doha amid the strike, at the same time as no less than one Qatari air pressure plane took off on patrol over the nation.
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