Israel’s military radio reported that Israel had attempted to attack Hamas officials in Qatar. Qatari television Al Jazeera, citing a Hamas source, said the attack targeted Hamas negotiators for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Several explosions were heard in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, according to Reuters. Israeli media, citing a senior Israeli official, said the attack targeted senior Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, its leader in Gaza.
At least 35 people were killed by Israeli forces across the Gaza Strip, medical sources said, Al Jazeera reported.
“The location Israel targeted in Doha is near a residential area, not an isolated area.” Al-Assa quoted security officials as saying that their priority was to secure the scene and repair the damage and casualties. Security procedures are very complex because we are talking about an extremely sensitive location that is very close to residential buildings and people’s homes,” he said.
Majed Al Ansari, a spokesman for the Qatari foreign ministry, said in a statement that the country strongly condemns the attack, which he said was carried out on residential buildings housing several members of the Hamas political bureau.
“This criminal attack constitutes a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and a serious threat to the security of Qatar and its people,” the statement said.
While strongly condemning this attack, the State of Qatar affirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and its continued interference in regional security, nor any action aimed at its security and sovereignty. Investigations are ongoing, and further details will be announced as soon as they are available,” the statement added.
