[Breaking] Explosion in Doha, Qatar… Israel "Targeted airstrike on Hamas leadership"

On the 9th (local time), Israel carried out a targeted airstrike against senior members of the Palestinian armed group Hamas located in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

Reuters, AFP and other agencies reported that around 3:50 p.m. local time, a loud explosion and smoke rising were reported in the Katara area of Doha.

Immediately after the explosion, the Israeli military announced in a statement that "the military and Shin Bet carried out a precision strike targeting senior leaders of the Hamas terrorist organization," confirming the airstrike.

The Israeli military added that "precision weapons were used to minimize civilian casualties" and that "operations will continue to suppress the Hamas terrorist organization."

Saudi media outlet Al Arabiya reported that the Hamas delegation sent for ceasefire negotiations appeared to have been the target of Israel's strike and that Hamas senior figure Khalil al-Hayya is presumed to have been killed.

Since the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israel has continued the war for two years, conducting military operations targeting pro-Iran armed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere, but this is the first time it has attacked Qatar.

Considering that al-Hayya, who led the Hamas delegation, was targeted and that Qatar has been mediating Gaza ceasefire talks alongside Egypt, the United States and others, the attack is expected to greatly affect ceasefire discussions.

Lee Bo-bae, contributing reporter, Hankyung.com newsinfo@hankyung.com