Axios reporter Barak Ravid citing Israeli officials said the explosion in Doha is an assassination attempt against Hamas officials.

According to Sky News, Israel s military says it has "conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation" in Qatar s capital Doha.

"Prior to the strike, measures were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and additional intelligence," it added.

Explosions in Doha were first reported by Axios reporter Barak Ravid, after an Israeli official told him its forces had launched an assassination attempt on Hamas leaders.

Witnesses told the Reuters news agency that several blasts were heard in the city.

Smoke was seen rising over the Katara District in the capital, an eyewitness said.

Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s FM, says in a statement that the country “condemns in the strongest terms” the attack, which he said was carried out on residential buildings housing several members of the Hamas political bureau.

Read more: Defense systems fail as Houthi drone hits Israel’s Ramon Airport

“This criminal attack constitutes a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents of Qatar,” the statement reads.

“While strongly condemning this attack, the State of Qatar affirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and its continued tampering with regional security, as well as any action targeting its security and sovereignty. Investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as they become available.”