Israel carried out its first known military strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, according to Israeli sources who spoke to CNN. The attack on Tuesday reportedly targeted senior Hamas figures, including the group's chief negotiator, Khalil Al-Hayya. Israeli officials confirmed the operation and said they were still awaiting full results of the strike.

The Qatari foreign ministry condemned the attack in strong terms. Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari called it a "cowardly and criminal assault" and described it as a clear violation of international laws and norms. He added that Qatar would not tolerate reckless Israeli actions that endanger regional peace and stability.

Hamas also confirmed that its negotiators in Doha were targeted. The incident highlights how the conflict has spread beyond Gaza, touching a Gulf nation that has hosted mediation talks for years. A senior Israeli source revealed that the United States was informed in advance of the strike, though American officials have not yet commented publicly.

Qatar is a close US ally and home to the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military facility in the Middle East. Following the strike, the US embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place order, urging citizens and staff to remain indoors amid reports of explosions in Doha.

The Israel Defense Forces later released a statement confirming it had targeted senior Hamas leadership in a joint operation with the Shin Bet security agency. Officials stressed that these leaders were linked to the October 7th attacks on Israel.

Just a day before the strike, Khalil Al-Hayya had met with Qatar's prime minister in Doha, underscoring the political significance of the timing. The operation marks a dangerous new escalation, widening the conflict beyond Gaza and raising international concerns about regional security.

Just a day before the strike, Khalil Al-Hayya had met with Qatar's prime minister in Doha, underscoring the political significance of the timing. The operation marks a dangerous new escalation, widening the conflict beyond Gaza and raising international concerns about regional security.

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