Trump criticizes Israel airstrike on Qatar targeting Hamas leaders

President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of Israel's recent airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he was "not thrilled" about the attack, emphasizing that it "did not advance Israel or America’s goals."

He clarified that the decision was made solely by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and not by him. Despite his criticism, Trump suggested that the incident could serve as an opportunity for peace.

The Israeli strike resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a Qatari security officer, and was aimed at senior Hamas figures.

Hamas claimed that the operation failed to eliminate its leaders, including Khalil al-Hayya, a central figure in the organization. The attack has drawn near-unanimous global condemnation, including from the United States.

Qatar, a close US ally and a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks, condemned the airstrike as a violation of its sovereignty. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement denouncing the "cowardly Israeli attack."

Prime Minister Netanyahu's office confirmed that the Israeli military carried out the attack in Doha on Tuesday against Hamas leaders, marking the first such strike by Israel on Qatar.

In response to the attack, President Trump sought to distance the United States from the Israeli action. He reiterated that the strike was a unilateral decision by Israel and not coordinated with the US.

Trump's comments reflect the delicate balance the US seeks to maintain in its relations with both Israel and Qatar amid ongoing tensions in the region.

The airstrike has further complicated efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and has strained diplomatic relations between Israel and its Gulf Arab allies.

As the situation develops, the international community continues to call for restraint and renewed dialogue to address the escalating conflict.