Israeli air strikes hit the Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday, targeting senior Hamas officials who had gathered to discuss the latest US ceasefire proposal for Gaza.

Multiple explosions were heard across the city, with smoke seen rising over the Katara district.

According to media reports, around 12 air strikes hit residential buildings.

The Israeli military confirmed it had carried out the strikes, stating it targeted the senior leadership of Hamas.

However, there was no immediate confirmation of who was hit or their condition.

A senior Hamas source told Al Jazeera that members of the Palestinian movement’s negotiating delegation were targeted during a meeting held to discuss a new ceasefire proposal presented by the US in recent days.

Qatar strongly condemned what it described as a “cowardly Israeli attack,” confirming the strikes had hit residential buildings housing several members of Hamas’s political bureau.

“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,” the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement.

“While the State of Qatar strongly condemns this assault, it confirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the ongoing disruption of regional security, nor any act that targets its security and sovereignty.”

The ministry added that investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced once available.

In the past 24 hours, suspected Israeli strikes have been reported in five Arab countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Qatar, Palestine and Tunisia. 

While Israel has attacked a number of Arab and Muslim countries in the region over recent weeks and months, Tuesday’s strike is unprecedented.

To date, Israel has never attacked a Gulf Cooperation Council country (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman).

These Gulf countries are closely allied with the United States – Israel’s closest partner on the international scene.

Qatar hosts one of Washington’s most important bases in the region: al-Udeid air base.

The base hosts over 8,000 American personnel, and is the regional headquarters of the US Central Command.

More to follow…