Israel says it carried out strikes in Doha targeting senior Hamas leaders

Several explosions were reported in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Tuesday, according to media reports.

Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, citing Hamas officials, said the blasts were the result of an attack targeting the Palestinian militant group’s leadership.

Hamas is currently engaged in a war with Israel in Gaza.

Israel’s military later said it had conducted a “precise strike” on senior Hamas leaders but did not specify the location of the operation.

The IDF in a post on X stated:

An eyewitness told Reuters that smoke was seen rising over the Katara district in Doha shortly after the explosions were heard.

Qatar is home to several senior Hamas political officials and has played a central role as a mediator between Israel and the group, which is designated a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union.

Israel has been engaged in conflict with Hamas in Gaza since the group’s attack in October 2023.

Oil prices rose following reports of an Israeli strike in Qatar, as concerns over a possible escalation in the Middle East added to risk premiums.

West Texas Intermediate gained 1.5%, moving above $63 a barrel.

This is a developing story.