This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Israel has struck at Hamas chiefs who were assembling in Doha, Qatar, in the next step in a campaign by the premier democracy in the Middle East to take war to the terrorists who attacked and slaughtered about 1,200 Israeli civilians in an act of war on Oct. 7.
Smoke was seen from several points in Qatar, and the Israel Defense Forces confirmed it accomplished a "precise strike" against Hamas.
The IDF confirm before the strike, "measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence."
Social media confirmed the attacks, but offered few verified details.
The Washington Examiner said, "The IDF did not say who the target was or whether it had confirmation that the target was killed in the strike. It's unclear if there were any civilian casualties as well."
But the IDF said, "The leadership members who were attacked had led the terrorist organization's activities for years and are directly responsible for carrying out the October 7 massacre and managing the war against the State of Israel."
Qatar houses Hamas leadership outside the Gaza Strip.
An adviser to the Qatari prime minister and spokesman for foreign affairs said, "The State of Qatar strongly condemns the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Political Bureau of Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha. This criminal assault constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and poses a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar."
Qatar has been acting was one mediator between Israel and Hamas, along with the United States and Egypt.
Previously, Israel targeted Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran, in July 2024. He was one of the officials who lived in Qatar but was targeted when he traveled to Iran.
Israel now is debating its actions against Gaza City, among the remaining areas in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip it has yet to control.
