Israel has attacked Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital Doha. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the attack on Tuesday afternoon local time.

The IDF said in a statement that special measures were taken to avoid civilian casualties before the attack. The top Hamas leadership was targeted with the help of the Shin Bet security agency using specific weapons and additional intelligence.

On the other hand, the Palestinian independence movement Hamas also admitted to the attack. The British media outlet BBC reported that Israel targeted top Hamas leaders who were in Doha for ceasefire talks. Multiple explosions were heard in the city and smoke was seen rising in the sky over the Katara district.

Qatar strongly condemned the incident. The country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that such attacks on sovereign territory pose a serious threat to international law and regional stability. Qatar called on the international community to take urgent action.

Sources: BBC, CNN, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera.