BELGRADE

Hungary stands by Qatar, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Tuesday after "today's unexpected" airstrike in Doha, highlighting the Gulf state’s importance for regional stability and hostage negotiations.

In a social media post, Szijjzrto said he spoke with his Qatari counterpart Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi shortly after the Israeli strike on Doha targeting Hamas leadership.

"We reaffirmed the friendship between Qatar and Hungary and our joint commitment to peace in the Middle East. For Hungary, the security of the entire region, including Qatar, is of great importance," he said.

"Qatar’s mediation for the release of Israeli hostages is highly valued, and we are grateful for its continued efforts in freeing Hungarian hostages."

Israel's military said it conducted a “precise strike targeting the senior leadership” of the Palestinian group, as explosions were heard in Doha.

A Hamas source told Al Jazeera that the strike occurred while a delegation was meeting to discuss a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza.