*** Israel Confirms Strike on Senior Hamas Leaders in Qatar | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Israel Confirms Strike on Senior Hamas Leaders in Qatar

Doha, Qatar — Israel launched an attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar on Tuesday, expanding its military operations in the Middle East to include the Gulf Arab state, where the Palestinian group has long maintained a political base.

Israeli officials confirmed the strike, while Qatar’s Al Jazeera, citing a Hamas source, reported that the attack targeted Hamas negotiators involved in Gaza ceasefire discussions. Witnesses in Doha said several blasts were heard, and smoke was seen rising over the Katara District.

Axios reporter Barak Ravid, citing Israeli officials, described the explosion as an assassination attempt against Hamas officials.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) tweeted that the strike was “a precise operation targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization,” responsible for the October 7 attacks and managing the ongoing conflict against Israel.

The IDF added that measures were taken to minimize civilian harm, including the use of precision munitions and intelligence efforts. Israel also said it will continue operations to confront Hamas.