Explosions and Initial Response

Explosions were heard in Doha, the⁤ capital of Qatar, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, as reported by AFP journalists. Smoke was also observed⁣ in the sky, and ⁣police blocked access to the affected⁢ area,‍ with the origin of ⁤the blasts initially unknown.
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Qatar condemned the strikes as⁤ a “cowardly” attack, while iran⁢ denounced it as a “blatant ⁢violation” by Israel. Hamas has not ⁣yet issued a ⁢statement.

Israel Confirms ⁤Targeting Hamas Leadership

⁢ ‍⁣ The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed conducting a targeted strike against senior officials of⁣ Hamas. According to an IDF statement, these officials were directly responsible for the October 7th attacks and the ongoing ⁤war against Israel.
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An⁣ AFP journalist on⁤ the ground reported that ‍the explosions occurred in a complex housing Hamas members.

broader⁣ Context: hostage Negotiations and Military plans

⁣ ⁤ The strikes ⁢occurred amid ongoing negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Israeli prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently authorized negotiations, following a new ‍ceasefire ‍proposal from⁣ mediators⁣ including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

⁢ The proposed ceasefire, according to Palestinian sources, involves ⁤the phased release of hostages over an initial 60-day truce in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by⁣ Israel.

⁣ ⁣ Simultaneously,Netanyahu has approved a new military offensive aimed at taking control of Gaza City,considered a key ⁤stronghold of Hamas. ⁢In late August 2023, the head of the Israeli army, Eyal ⁤Zamir, stated Israel would target Hamas leaders abroad.