Israeli forces reportedly carried out strikes in Doha with multiple explosions and thick black smoke seen over the Katara District.
The blasts were heard across the Katara District on Tuesday, September 9, and reports suggest the strikes targeted Hamas leaders.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency said the targeted strike was aimed at senior Hamas leaders who have directed the group’s activities for years.
The military added that these leaders were directly responsible for the October 7 attacks and for coordinating the ongoing conflict against Israel.
Israel PM Netanyahu Bombs Qatar’s Doha
A senior Israeli official told Israel Hayom that the strike in Qatar targeted the Hamas leadership, including Khalil al-Hayya and Jabarin.
The official added that there is a broad consensus within Israel’s political and military leadership regarding the strike.
The military stressed that measures were taken to minimize civilian harm, including the use of precision munitions and detailed intelligence prior to the operation.
The strike comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that an Israeli negotiation team would travel to Doha on Sunday, July 6, following instructions from the Prime Minister to “accept the invitation for close talks.”
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However, Netanyahu’s office added that the proposed changes Hamas requested to the Qatari proposal, submitted the previous night, were deemed unacceptable by Israel.
The announcement followed Hamas indicating on Friday that it had given a “positive” response to a US-brokered proposal for a 60-day truce in Gaza, raising hopes for a potential pause to the conflict.
Since hostilities began in October 2023, at least 57,338 Palestinians have been killed and over 135,957 wounded. Israeli attacks have devastated Gaza, creating a severe humanitarian crisis and leaving the territory on the brink of famine.
Also Read: Top Hamas Security Commander Killed in Gaza Strike
Hamas Requests to Israeli Forces
At the same time, Hamas requested three main changes to the U.S.-brokered truce proposal, including rules about where Israeli forces could be in the Gaza Strip under the deal.
Since late May, more than 700 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured while seeking aid at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites.
Of the roughly 200 people taken during the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, about 50 remain in Gaza, and Israel believes at least 27 are dead.
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