The Israeli military has confirmed it carried out an assassination attempt on Hamas leaders after witnesses heard multiple blasts in Qatar's capital on Tuesday, with Israeli media reporting Donald Trump gave the green light for the attack.
An IDF spokesman said the military, along with the Israel Security Agency, "conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of Hamas" in Doha, Qatar.
"For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organisation's operations," the spokesman said.
"(They) are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel."
The spokesman said that prior to the strike, "measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence".
"The IDF and ISA will continue to operate with determination in order to defeat the Hamas terrorist organisation responsible for the October 7 massacre," the spokesman added.
Smoke was seen rising over the Katara District in Doha, with an image showing black fumes engulfing the skyline.
Witnesses say they heard multiple explosions. GB News understands the building targeted by Israel was located right beside the Woqod petrol station near Al Resala Independent Secondary School.
Commenting on the attack, Sir Keir Starmer said: "I condemn Israel's strikes on Doha, which violate Qatar's sovereignty and risk further escalation across the region. The priority must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a huge surge in aid into Gaza. This is the only solution towards long-lasting peace."
It is understood that the Hamas leadership survived the attack, but five members were killed, including one of the leaders' sons, according to a Hamas official speaking to Al Jazeera.
Hamas added that it holds the US jointly responsible for the attack, after a White House official said Israel had notified the US ahead of time about its strike targeting the Hamas leaders.
Thick clouds of smoke have engulfed the sky in Qatar | GB NEWSThe UK was not consulted about the attack, with a Number 10 spokesman saying: "This was an Israeli-led operation. We don't want to see an escalation in the region. Our priority is an immediate ceasefire."
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel "takes full responsibility for Doha attack".
Mr Netanyahu's office said in a social media post: "Today's action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility."
The Israeli President says he ordered security forces to prepare attacks on the Hamas leaders after the Jerusalem and Gaza attacks, striking today after identifying an "operational opportunity".
Mr Netanyahu said the strikes on the leaders "can open a door for an end to the Gaza war".
A senior Israeli official has told an Israeli media outlet, known for its links to the Government, that the explosion in Doha is an assassination attempt against a senior Hamas official.
A damaged building in Qatar following an Israeli attack
|REUTERS
"The target of the operation was apparently a single explosion carried out at the headquarters of the Hamas terrorist organisation, targeting senior figures in the organisation," the official added.
An advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister, Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, said: "The State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential premises housing several members of the political bureau of the Hamas movement in the Qatari capital, Doha.
"This criminal assault constitutes a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.
"The Ministry affirms that the security authorities, civil defence, and relevant entities have immediately begun addressing the incident and taking necessary measures to contain its repercussions and ensure the safety of residents and surrounding areas.
Qatar said a member of its security forces has been killed in the attack.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued a statement to Britons in Qatar.
It wrote: "On September 9, explosions occurred in the Duhail, Katara and Lusail areas in Doha. The FCDO is in contact with the local authorities and is seeking further information. The airports remain open. Follow the advice of the local authorities."
"While Qatar vehemently condemns this attack, it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the ongoing reckless endangerment of regional security, or any act targeting its security and sovereignty.
"Investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as they become available."
Israeli media have said a senior Israeli official confirmed that "we attack the Hamas leadership in Qatar".
"Including Khalil Al-Hayya and Jabarin," the senior official has reportedly said.
Smoke is seen rising past cars driving in Doha
|REUTERS
Al-Hayya is an exiled Gaza chief and a top Hamas political bureau negotiator.
Local Iranian media have said a spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry was "dangerous" and a "violation of international law".
The US embassy in Doha has issued a shelter warning for US citizens in the country.
The international community has been reacting to the strikes.
A diplomatic advisor to the United Arab Emirates President said: "We stand with Qatar," and condemned the "treacherous" attack.
The UN Chief Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, describing it as a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar".
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister strongly condemns the "brutal" Israeli attack, warning of "dire consequences" for Tel Aviv, should there be "persistence in its criminal violations".
Turkey's Foreign Minister condemned the attacks, saying: "Israel does not want peace, it wants to continue the war".
GB News has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.