As we've been reporting, Israel has carried out a strike on senior Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha.

Here's the full statement on the attack from the Israel Defense Forces (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."

A spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry has condemned "in the strongest possible terms" the attack that Israel has now claimed responsibility for.

Dr Majed Al Ansari says the strike hit a residential premises "where a number of members of Hamas' political bureau reside in the Qatari capital, Doha".

He says the attack constitutes a "blatant violation" of international laws as well as a "serious threat" to those in Qatar.

"The State of Qatar strongly condemns this attack, and affirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behaviour and the continuous tampering with the security of the region and any action aimed at its security and sovereignty," the statement concludes.

We're now getting images from Reuters news agency, which shows smoke billowing up from the Qatari capital Doha.

Israel confirmed that it had targeted senior Hamas leaders with a strike in Qatar.

This is a developing story, we'll bring you the latest as soon as we have it.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Rushdi Abualouf
BBC News Gaza correspondent

A Hamas official tells the BBC that the Hamas negotiating delegation was targeted during its meeting in Doha.

An Israeli official confirms that the strike targeting senior Hamas leaders took place in Qatar.

We can now bring you details of a statement issued by the Israeli military which says it has conducted a "precise strike" targeted at Hamas senior leaders.

The statement does not indicate a location for the strike.

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

Explosions have been heard and smoke has been seen rising above the Qatari capital Doha, the AFP news agency and Reuters report.

The nature of the incident is not yet clear.

This is a breaking news story - we'll bring you the latest as we get it.