Israel Attacks Hamas Leader In Qatar, Explosion Hears In Doha

Israeli Military/PHOTO via Instagram @Israeliairforce

JAKARTA - Israel launched an attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar, expanding its military action that has covered the entire Middle East to include the Gulf Arab state where the Palestinian Islamist group has long owned its political base.

An Israeli official confirmed to Reuters that Israel had launched an attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar.

Qatar's Al Jazeera television, citing Hamas sources, said the attack targeted negotiators of the Hamas ceasefire in Gaza.

Several explosions were heard in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, September 9, according to Reuters witnesses.

A puff of black smoke rose from the Legifya gas station in the city. Right next to the gas station, there is a small housing complex guarded by Qatar emiri troops 24 hours a day since the beginning of the Gaza conflict.

Israeli media, citing a senior Israeli official, said the attack was aimed at high-ranking Hamas leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, the chief Hamas in exiled Gaza and the main negotiator.

Qatar, which has mediated between Hamas and Israel, condemned Israel's "cutting" attack on Hamas officials and called it a gross violation of international law.