Qatar Condemns Israeli Attacks In Doha As Violations And Raises Threats

JAKARTA - Qatar denounced Israeli airstrikes on its territory, saying they were a violation and posed threats.

The Israeli Air Force carried out an attack targeting the leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas in its airspace on Tuesday, an unprecedented move.

Several explosions were heard in the capital Qatar, where Hamas negotiators were studying Gaza's ceasefire proposals. Arab countries condemned the attack.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qatar Majid Al Ansari said "Israel's coward attack" targeted the residential building "which houses several members of the Hamas political bureau" in Doha.

"This criminal attack is a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qatari citizens and residents in Qatar," Al-Ansari explained, launching The National September 9.

The Israeli army said it had carried out "targeted attacks" targeting senior Hamas leaders. There has been no direct confirmation of which Hamas leaders were targeted or whether they were killed.

Smoke was seen billowing above the Catara District in Doha. Qatar and Egypt are known to act as intermediaries in an attempt to end the war in Gaza, with Hamas accepting a new ceasefire proposal last month.

"Over the years, these members of Hamas leadership have led the operations of terrorist organizations, are directly responsible for the brutal massacre of October 7, and have organized and managed the war against the Israeli state," the Israeli military statement said.

An Israeli source said: "We don't know who died, who wouldn't, but it seems we have the footage, so it seems the operation was successful."

Qatar said the situation was safe, with authorities taking the necessary steps to reduce its impact, ensuring the safety of residents and surrounding areas.

"Although the Qatari state strongly condemns this attack, Qatar insists that it will not tolerate Israel's reckless behavior and continued regional security disturbances, nor any action targeting its security and sovereignty," Al-Ansari stressed.

"Investigations are ongoing at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as available," he said.

Separately, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Qatar had "played a very positive role" in an attempt to reach a ceasefire and free the hostages.

"All partners must work to reach a permanent ceasefire, not destroy it," Guterres said.