Israel launched a surprise airstrike on Hamas targets in Doha, Qatar, early Tuesday after Hamas rejected a final ceasefire deal and claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack in Jerusalem that killed six Israeli civilians. The strike targeted senior Hamas leadership reportedly involved in the hostage negotiations, killing several individuals, including the son of a Hamas negotiator and a Qatari security officer.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the strike “unfortunate,” noting that Qatar is a close ally of the United States and host to key American military operations. However, she emphasized that eliminating Hamas remains a “worthy goal,” aligning with President Trump’s position that the terrorist organization must be dismantled to achieve any lasting peace.
President Trump was notified of the impending attack by the U.S. military. He then instructed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to alert Qatari leadership, though Qatari officials stated the warning came as the attack was already underway. The president spoke directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Emir of Qatar following the incident. According to Leavitt, Netanyahu expressed a desire to quickly make peace, and Trump assured Qatari leaders that such a strike would not be repeated on their soil.
While President Trump has not indicated whether consequences for Israel are under consideration, he continues to support their right to defend themselves and eliminate terrorist threats. Trump also reiterated his call for the immediate release of all hostages and the remains of the dead still held in Gaza.
Qatar strongly condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty. Other international leaders, including from the United Nations and several European governments, voiced concern over the move, warning it could destabilize ongoing ceasefire negotiations and damage U.S. credibility as a neutral mediator.
Qatar was designated a major non-NATO ally by President Joe Biden in 2022. The U.S. military maintains its largest base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base, in Qatar, which serves as the regional headquarters for Central Command (CENTCOM).
