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Blast heard in Qatar as Israel targets Hamas leadership

By AAP Newswire

Sep 9, 2025

Doha skyline — Several blasts have been heard in Qatar's capital Doha, witnesses say. -AP

Israeli army radio says Israel has tried to attack Hamas officials in Qatar.

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Qatar's al-Jazeera television, citing a Hamas source, said the attack targeted Hamas' Gaza Strip ceasefire negotiators.

Several blasts were heard in Qatar's Doha on Tuesday, witnesses said, and sent black smoke into the air.

It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured in the attack.

Israel media, citing a senior Israeli official, said the attack was aimed at top Hamas leaders including Khalil al-Hayya, its Gaza Strip chief.

Smoke was seen over the Katara District in the capital, an eyewitness said.

Hamas' exiled leadership has long been based in Qatar, which has served as a mediator in talks between Hamas and Israel for several years, even before the latest war in the Gaza Strip.

A strike on its top leadership could further complicate negotiations over a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages taken in Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack.

with AP