Israel launched a strike on Hamas' leadership in Qatar on Tuesday as they discussed a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, officials said.

It marked a stunning extension of Israel's campaign against the militant group and risked upending negotiations aimed at winding down the war and releasing Israeli hostages.

Black smoke rose over the skyline of the Qatari capital, Doha, with authorities there acknowledging the strike.

It wasn't immediately clear if anyone was hurt in the attack.

The assault marks the second time the energy-rich nation has been directly attacked in the nearly two years of war that have gripped the wider Middle East since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.

Qatar has served as a key negotiator in efforts to end the conflict. It also calls into question whether any negotiations immediately will continue.