Australians in Qatar urged to stay alert after Israeli strike on Doha
Australians in the Qatari capital of Doha have been urged stay alert and travellers in the region have been warned circumstances could change abruptly after Israel carried out a strike on the city overnight.
The Israeli government claimed sole responsibility for a strike that they alleged targeted high-level Hamas leadership in Qatar.
Hamas claimed no senior figures were killed, but some lower-ranking members were.
READ MORE: US given 'prior notice' hours before Israeli strike on Qatar
Smoke rises after several blasts were heard in Doha, Qatar. Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters via CNN
The Australian government's Smartraveller website has updated its warnings for the country and the region.
"Stay alert, take official warnings seriously, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities," the new advice read.
"The security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable.
"If the regional security situation deteriorates again, this may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions at short notice."
READ MORE: Swedish health minister collapses during media conference
Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has condemned the strike on Doha. AP
They also warned against the ongoing risk of a terrorist attack around the Middle East, including in sites visited by foreigners.
However, overall, the government does not urge people to avoid travel to Qatar, but to exercise normal safety precautions.
The Qatari government has reacted with outrage to Israel's attack on its soil, after spending months acting as a crucial mediator in an effort to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.
READ MORE: Ultimate penalty looms over sickening refugee stabbing death
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. AP
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier that the US had been forewarned about Israel's operation and had, in turn, warned Qatar.
She said US President Donald Trump had made clear his "concerns" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and said the strike was an "unfortunate incident" that would not advance peace.
Other world leaders, both in the region and among Israel's allies, have condemned the attack.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
