Explosions heard in Doha; Israel claims strike on Hamas leadership

Multiple explosions rocked Qatar's capital, Doha, early on Friday, with black smoke observed rising over the Katara District. The Israeli military confirmed it carried out a "precise strike" targeting the senior leadership of Hamas, in a joint operation with the Shin Bet security agency.

According to Israeli media reports, Donald Trump gave the green light for the attack. A Hamas official speaking to Al Jazeera stated that five members were killed in the strike, including one of the leaders' sons. The White House confirmed that Israel had notified the U.S. ahead of time regarding the operation.

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel "takes full responsibility for Doha attack," stating that the action against Hamas leaders was a "wholly independent Israeli operation."

Sir Keir Starmer commented, "I condemn Israel's strikes on Doha, which violate Qatar's sovereignty and risk further escalation across the region."