Israel’s Strike in Qatar Draws Trump’s Disapproval, Global Outrage

rki.news
TEL AVIV / DOHA — The Israeli military confirmed Tuesday it launched an airstrike in Doha targeting senior Hamas leaders, marking the first Israeli strike on Qatari soil. The unprecedented attack killed five people, including the son of Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, an office manager, and several other staff members. Qatar’s Interior Ministry reported one of its Internal Security Force members also died in the strike.
Israel said the targeted Hamas leaders were directly involved in orchestrating the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel and have since directed operations against the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz acknowledged ordering preparations for the strike after a shooting in Jerusalem killed six Israelis on Monday, an attack claimed by Hamas.
The strike drew swift condemnation from Qatar, which described it as a “cowardly attack” and “a blatant violation of international law.” Doha warned that Israel’s action threatened regional security and undermined ongoing mediation efforts hosted in Qatar.
President Donald Trump also voiced disapproval, emphasizing that while eliminating Hamas was a legitimate goal, carrying out an attack inside Qatar was “reckless and counterproductive.” In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said, “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign ally of the United States that is bravely working to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” He added that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff had informed Qatari officials of the impending strike but too late to prevent it.
The incident has heightened tensions in the Gulf and raised questions about Israel’s expanding tactics against Hamas. Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional stability despite what it called Israel’s “irresponsible behavior.”