Trump Criticizes Israel’s Qatar Strike Amid Gaza Peace Talks

Trump Criticizes Israel’s Qatar Strike Amid Gaza Peace Talks

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Photo:AFP

A sudden attack in Qatar has shaken the already fragile situation in the Middle East. On Tuesday, explosions rocked Doha after Israeli forces carried out strikes against Hamas leaders inside the Gulf nation. The move has triggered strong reactions, not only from Qatar but also from the United States, which was caught off guard by the operation.

President Donald Trump, who has been a close supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, gave a rare public criticism of Israel over this strike. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was not informed before the attack happened and stressed that Washington had no role in the decision.

“I’m not thrilled about the whole situation,” Trump said, while dining in Washington. He explained that while the U.S. wants the safe release of hostages held by Hamas, attacking inside Qatar was not the right way to achieve that goal. He added that eliminating Hamas is a “worthy goal,” but striking a U.S. ally without warning could harm efforts to bring peace.

Why This Attack Matters

The timing and location of the strike make it especially sensitive. Qatar is not only a wealthy Gulf state but also a key mediator in talks between Israel and Hamas to end the Gaza war. The country has been hosting high-stakes negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Adding to the complexity, Qatar is home to the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base, one of the largest American military facilities in the region. It is also a place Trump personally visited earlier this year. Recently, Qatar even gifted the United States a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft for the president’s official use, a move that sparked ethical debates in Washington.

With such close ties, an Israeli attack on Doha was seen by Qatar as a violation of trust. Officials in Doha immediately condemned the strikes, calling them “cowardly” and unacceptable.

U.S. Reaction

Trump emphasized that the U.S. had no advance knowledge of the strike. He said the American military only alerted the White House after the Israeli jets were already on their way. Trump quickly ordered his envoy, Steve Witkoff, to inform Qatari officials, but the warning came too late. Explosions had already been heard in Doha by the time the call was made.

Trump later spoke directly with Netanyahu and said the Israeli leader assured him that peace remains his ultimate goal. Trying to calm tensions, Trump argued that this “unfortunate incident” could still turn into an opportunity to push for peace.

The White House also confirmed that Trump expressed “very clear” concerns to Netanyahu about the strike. This was notable because, since returning to office in January, Trump has mostly offered unconditional support to Israel.

Qatar’s Response

Qatar reacted with anger, saying it had no warning before the bombs fell. “The call from an American official came as explosions sounded in Doha,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. The Qatari government sees this as a direct attack on its sovereignty, especially since it has been risking much to mediate in Gaza.

To ease tensions, Trump ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to finalize a defense cooperation agreement with Qatar. He also personally assured Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that “such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”

Bigger Picture

This strike has put Qatar once again at the center of Middle East turmoil. In June, the U.S. Al Udeid base in Qatar was already targeted by Iranian missiles after Washington carried out attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Now, Israel’s strike has added new risks for the small Gulf nation that has tried to balance between diplomacy and its role as a U.S. ally.

The incident also highlights growing cracks between the U.S. and Israel. While Trump still supports Israel’s fight against Hamas, he made it clear that Washington does not approve of unilateral actions that undermine American interests or hurt peace efforts.

Sept. 10, 2025 7:42 a.m. 496

Donald Trump Qatar strike

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