The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) say that their forces, in conjunction with those of the Shin-Bet intelligence agency, have struck a target in Qatar. The IDF said the strike was targeted at Hamas leaders in the Gulf state.

According to the IDF, “The IDF and ISA conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization. For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organization's operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel. Prior to the strike, measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate with determination in order to defeat the Hamas terrorist organization responsible for the October 7 massacre.”

The strike will likely be read as an escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, given Qatar’s role in facilitating talks between Israel and Hamas.