Explosions shook Doha on Tuesday evening after Israel said its forces carried out a targeted strike against Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital.
The blasts were confirmed by AFP reporters on the ground, who saw smoke rising in parts of the city.
According to the Israeli military, the operation was jointly conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the internal security agency ISA.
Officials described the attack as a “precise strike” aimed at senior figures of Hamas, though they did not disclose the exact location or provide further details on casualties.
Doha hosts the political bureau of Hamas, which has long operated from Qatar while maintaining close ties with the Gulf state.
The strike marks a rare instance of military action inside Qatar, a country that has acted as a mediator in past conflicts between Israel and Palestinian factions.
The Qatari government condemned the attack as “cowardly,” accusing Israel of endangering regional security by carrying out strikes on its soil.
Officials in Doha said the explosions violated its sovereignty and would have consequences for regional diplomacy.
The incident comes amid escalating violence linked to the war in Gaza, where Israeli forces have intensified operations following months of heavy clashes with Hamas.
The group has also faced growing pressure outside Gaza, with its political leadership now reportedly targeted abroad.
Regional analysts say the strike could worsen already strained relations between Israel and Qatar, which has previously hosted indirect talks between Hamas and Israeli officials through international mediators.
The attack also raises new questions about Qatar’s role as a safe base for Hamas leaders while balancing its diplomatic relationships with Western and regional powers.
As investigations continued on Tuesday night, neither Israel nor Qatar confirmed whether any Hamas officials were killed in the strike. The situation in Doha remained tense with security forces deployed in affected areas.