Israel's military has launched an audacious attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, where the Palestinian militant group has long had its political base.

Qatar, which has acted as a mediator alongside Egypt in talks on a ceasefire in the almost two-year-old war in the Gaza Strip, condemned the action as "cowardly" and called it a flagrant violation of international law.

Two Hamas sources told Reuters that Hamas officials in the ceasefire negotiating team survived the attack.

It was not immediately clear if anyone was hurt in the attack.

Israeli officials told reporters the strike was aimed at top Hamas leaders including Khalil al-Hayya, its exiled Gaza Strip chief and top negotiator.

Several blasts were heard in Qatar's capital Doha, Reuters witnesses said.

Plumes of black smoke were billo

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