U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his disapproval of Israel’s airstrike in Qatar that targeted Hamas leaders, adding to growing international pressure over the unprecedented expansion of Israel’s war beyond Gaza. The rare strike on Qatari soil killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, according to authorities in Doha. It also threatened to upend delicate U.S.-backed ceasefire negotiations, as Hamas confirmed its negotiators were meeting at the time of the attack.
Israel Defends Its Action
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the operation “fully justified,” stating it targeted senior Hamas figures behind the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel. Defense Minister Israel Katz added that Israeli forces were ordered to prepare the strike following deadly attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza.
Israeli media reported that 15 fighter jets carried out the operation, firing 10 munitions within seconds at residential buildings in Doha’s northern Katara district. Hamas said the attempted assassination of its negotiating team had “failed,” although it confirmed the death of five members, including Humam al-Hayya, the son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya.
Trump Voices Unease
When asked about the strike, Trump told reporters, “Well, I’m not thrilled… it’s not a good situation. But we want the hostages back, and we are not thrilled about the way that went down today.”
The White House later stated that Trump had directed his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to notify Qatar of the impending strike. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that a unilateral bombing inside a close U.S. ally “does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” but she added that eliminating Hamas “is a worthy goal.” She confirmed that Trump spoke to Netanyahu, who “wants to make peace and quickly,” as well as to Qatar’s emir, whom Trump assured that such an incident “will not happen again on their soil.”
Qatar Refutes US Account
Qatar strongly denied being warned beforehand. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said the U.S. call came “during the sound of the explosions.” Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Washington’s notification arrived 10 minutes after the attack had already begun, calling the strike “state terrorism” and a “flagrant violation of Qatari sovereignty.” The Amiri Diwan said Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned the attack during a phone call with Trump, describing it as a “reckless, criminal act” and a breach of international law.
Hamas Blames Both Israel and the US
Hamas denounced the strike as “a heinous crime” and accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging negotiations. The group said its delegation had been discussing Trump’s latest ceasefire proposal when the attack occurred. “Targeting the negotiating delegation confirms beyond doubt that Netanyahu and his government do not want an agreement,” Hamas said. It also held the U.S. “jointly responsible” due to its military support for Israel.
