Israel carried out strikes in Doha on Tuesday, targeting senior Hamas leaders in what marks an unprecedented expansion of its military campaign into Qatar.

An Israeli official confirmed to Reuters that the operation specifically targeted Hamas leadership based in the Gulf Arab state, where the group has maintained a political office for years. Qatar’s Al Jazeera network, citing Hamas sources, reported that the attack struck negotiators involved in cease-fire talks related to Gaza.

Residents of Doha reported hearing multiple blasts across the capital as the strikes unfolded. The attack underscores Israel’s widening reach in its confrontation with Hamas, extending well beyond Gaza and neighboring states.

Qatar has long played the role of mediator in regional conflicts and currently hosts a major U.S. military base, making the incident particularly sensitive. The strike is expected to spark regional and international debate over both its legality and its impact on ongoing negotiations.