Israel launched a controversial operation in Doha. Qatari authorities are in a tizzy.

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that several explosions were heard in Qatar's capital, Doha.

The explosion is believed to have come from an assassination attempt against Hamas leaders, the Israeli military (IDF) confirmed in a statement on X.

They call the attack a targeted attack. But Hamas tells Al-Jazeera that no one in their organization was killed.

The target was reportedly a Hamas negotiating delegation. An Israeli official says the United States was notified before the attack, Reuters reports.

The IDF did not specify where the attack took place, but smoke rose over the Katara district of Doha.

Israel says it took measures to minimize harm to people not involved.

This video is being spread on social media:

Condemns the attack

Israel has previously targeted Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran. But this is the first time it has targeted Hamas in Qatar. The wealthy Gulf state is considered a neutral country.

Hamas' exiled leadership has long been based in Qatar. The country has mediated talks between Hamas and Israel for several years. Qatar has also supported the people of Gaza with significant financial resources.

The country's authorities are reacting strongly to what they call the cowardly attack in Doha, Reuters reports. They say it happened where Hamas representatives live in Doha.

"The Qatari authorities strongly condemn this attack and emphasize that they will not tolerate this reckless behavior by Israel," Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said in a statement, according to the BBC.

He calls it a clear violation of all international law.

Iran and the United Arab Emirates also condemn Israel's actions.

Points to October 7th

The IDF justifies the attack by saying that the Hamas leadership is directly responsible for the brutal massacre on October 7th.

As late as August 31, Israel was clear that it would target Hamas leaders stationed abroad, the Times of Israel reported. The IDF was clear at the time that it would strike targets across all arenas.