US President Donald Trump's administration has confirmed it was notified ahead of Israel’s attack on Hamas negotiators in Qatar, but said it did not agree with the decision.
The statement on Tuesday came hours after the strike on a residential area in Qatar's capital, Doha. Qatar has been a key mediator in US-backed ceasefire talks aimed at ending the war in Gaza.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokesperson told reporters about US being notified about the strikes. “The Trump administration was notified by the United States military that Israel was attacking Hamas, which very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the capital of Qatar,”
“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” she said. “However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza is a worthy goal.”
She also added that Trump directed his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to “inform the Qataris of the impending attack”.
Leavitt said that Trump also spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the strike, but did not say if he threatened any actions against the close US ally. She furthermore stated that Trump “believes this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace”.
Hamas said the attack resulted in the deaths of five of its members, but its main negotiating team survived. Among the dead was a Qatari security officer, the country’s interior ministry said.
Donald Trump took to his Truth Social account and said the US military notified him ahead of Israel’s Doha strike but stressed it was Netanyahu’s decision, not his. He criticised the attack, urged peace, and confirmed talks with Qatar and Israel.
Just days after Trump issued a warning to Hamas's negotiating team while advocating for a new ceasefire deal, Israel launched a strike on central Doha. The United States has consistently blamed Hamas for delaying negotiations, while Israel has faced allegations of repeatedly derailing the talks.
“The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.
“I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one!”.
