Israeli forces have reportedly launched an attack in the Qatari capital, Doha, targeting senior Hamas figures engaged in ceasefire negotiations, according to regional media and diplomatic sources. Explosions were heard near the site where Hamas officials were said to be discussing a U.S.-backed proposal aimed at halting the ongoing war in Gaza.
A senior Hamas representative told Al Jazeera that the strike occurred while its negotiating team was reviewing terms for a possible truce. Qatar strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly act” and a grave breach of international law.
The reported strike in Doha comes as violence intensifies across Gaza. Health officials in the enclave said at least 35 Palestinians, including humanitarian aid seekers, were killed in the past 24 hours by Israeli operations.
Since Israel’s campaign began in October 2023, more than 64,600 Palestinians have been killed and over 163,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s health authorities. Thousands remain missing under the rubble of destroyed buildings. The conflict was triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attack, which left 1,139 people dead in Israel and saw around 200 taken hostage.
The alleged Doha strike risks widening the scope of the conflict beyond Gaza, raising concerns over regional stability and ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire.
