Explosions were heard across the capital city of Doha on Tuesday after Israel launched an attack on the leadership of Hamas.
Black smoke rose was seen rising over the skyline of the Qatari capital, with authorities there acknowledging the strike. It wasn't immediately clear if anyone was hurt in the attack.
This is the second time the energy-rich nation has been directly attacked in nearly two years of war that have gripped the Middle East since Hamas' attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israel has since widened its campaign against the militant group as negotiations over ending the war in the Gaza Strip appear stalemated before a new military offensive there.
Also Read: Ex-Nepal PM's wife succumbs to burn injuries after home torched
While it wasn't immediately clear how the attack was carried out, an Israeli military spokesman referred to Israel's air force carrying out the strike.
Qatar condemned what it referred to as a “cowardly Israeli attack” on Hamas' political headquarters in Doha. Its Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, called it a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.”
Qatar's vast Al-Udeid Air Base, home to the US military's forward headquarters for its Middle East-based Central Command, last came under Iranian attack during the 12-day Iran-Israel war that saw American bombers attack Iranian nuclear sites.
Qatar Airways meanwhile continued landing in Doha amid the strike, even as at least one Qatari air force aircraft took off on patrol over the country.
Follow us
