Doha: Multiple explosions were reported in Qatar’s capital on Tuesday, coinciding with Israel’s announcement that it had launched a targeted airstrike against Hamas leadership in an operation named Summit of Fire.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency said the strike aimed at senior Hamas figures “directly responsible” for orchestrating the October 7, 2023 massacre and the ongoing conflict against Israel.
An Israeli military official confirmed to AFP that the attacks were carried out in Doha, where several exiled Hamas leaders reside. The move follows a warning from Israel’s Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, that Hamas leadership abroad would also be targeted.
Qatar, which has hosted Hamas leaders for years and mediated in ceasefire and hostage negotiations, strongly condemned the strikes. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari denounced the attacks as a “cowardly Israeli assault” and a “flagrant violation of international law,” stressing that they endangered Qatari civilians. Authorities said emergency services had been deployed and investigations were ongoing.
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hailed the operation, declaring that “terrorists have no immunity from Israel anywhere in the world.” Meanwhile, a White House official confirmed Israel had informed the US of the operation beforehand.
The strikes threaten to derail fragile ceasefire negotiations and complicate Qatar’s role as a mediator in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
