Trump Expresses Concern Over Israeli Airstrike in Qatar Targeting Hamas Leaders
US President Donald Trump has voiced his unease over Israel’s recent airstrike in Qatar, which targeted senior Hamas leaders. The attack has intensified international scrutiny as Israel expands its military operations against Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike, stating it was necessary to target Hamas officials responsible for the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel that ignited the Gaza conflict.
Hamas reported that five of its members were killed in the strike but claimed that the assassination attempt on its negotiating team “failed.” Qatar condemned the attack, labeling it a “cowardly” act and a clear breach of international law. As a close US ally, Qatar hosts a major American air base and has acted as a mediator in the conflict.
Commenting on the strike, Trump said, “I’m not thrilled about the whole situation. It’s not a good situation. We want the hostages back, but this approach is troubling.”
The targeted Hamas officials were reportedly meeting in Doha to discuss a new US ceasefire proposal when residential buildings housing them were hit. The Qatari interior ministry confirmed that one member of its Internal Security Force was killed, with others injured.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet stated that the operation, called “a precise strike,” aimed at neutralizing senior Hamas leadership. Israeli officials claimed that Khalil al-Hayya, the chief negotiator, and Zaher Jabarin were among those targeted.
Hamas condemned the strike as “a heinous crime” and held the US partly responsible due to its support for Israel. Meanwhile, the White House emphasized that it had been informed prior to the operation and stressed that peace efforts should continue.
The attack drew global criticism. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty, and world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urged restraint and called for a ceasefire.
Families of hostages held in Gaza expressed alarm. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among the captives, wrote on social media, “It could be that in these moments, my son’s life is at risk. Why are we sabotaging peace efforts?”
Israeli opposition leaders highlighted the dangers to hostages and demanded clarification on how Israel ensured their safety during the strike.
The IDF reiterated that the operation was an independent Israeli action, undertaken to prevent further attacks by Hamas. Since October 2023, Israel has conducted multiple operations targeting top Hamas figures, including the elimination of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar in recent years.
The ongoing Gaza conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, including over 64,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health authorities.