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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 the leadership of Hamas 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 black smoke was seen over the Katara District.

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

Plumes of black smoke were billowing from the city's Legtifya petrol station.Â

Right next door to the petrol station is a small residential compound that has been guarded by Qatar's emiri guard 24 hours a day since the beginning of the Gaza Strip conflict.

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

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