US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Israel’s airstrike on Qatar’s capital Doha on Tuesday, placing full responsibility on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump stated that Israel’s decision to bomb Qatar came solely from Netanyahu, not from the US president, emphasizing that such unilateral action harms both American and Israeli interests significantly.
Israel targeted Hamas political leaders in Doha, escalating regional tensions dramatically as the strike drew widespread condemnation globally as dangerously provocative. Trump claimed he sent envoy Steve Witkoff to warn Qatar beforehand. However, Qatari officials firmly contradicted the White House, stating US contact occurred only after explosions rocked Doha.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a Sovereign Nation and close Ally, does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” He added that eliminating Hamas remains a worthy objective despite their exploitation of Gazans, with the Palestinian group confirming five members died, including Khalil al-Hayya’s son.
US Ally Status Complicated
Washington considers Qatar a vital Gulf partner mediating Gaza ceasefire talks and hostage negotiations. Following the attack, Trump spoke separately with Netanyahu and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim, assuring the Emir such strikes on Qatari soil “will not happen again,” expressing deep regret over the location.
Trump later told reporters in Washington he felt “not thrilled” about Israel’s actions. “It’s not a good situation,” he admitted, “but we want the hostages back.” Meanwhile, nearby pro-Palestinian protesters chanted “Free Palestine” and “stop arming genocide.”
Israel’s Gaza campaign since October 2023 has killed tens of thousands and displaced the entire population internally, triggering a severe starvation crisis across the territory, with Multiple rights experts and scholars now stating that Israel’s military actions constitute genocide. The Qatar strike further inflames an already volatile Middle East landscape.
