White House Condemns Israeli Strike on Hamas Officials in Qatar Amid Ceasefire Talks

White House Condemns Israeli Strike on Hamas Officials in Qatar Amid Ceasefire Talks

On Tuesday, the Trump administration publicly criticized Israel’s decision to launch a military strike against senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. The attack targeted members of Hamas’ political bureau during ongoing ceasefire negotiations, escalating tensions in the region.

Violation of Sovereignty and Diplomatic Fallout

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the strike as a unilateral act that undermines both Israeli and American objectives. “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard in bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” Leavitt stated.

Despite condemning the strike, Leavitt acknowledged the goal of eliminating Hamas as “worthy,” highlighting the group’s exploitation of Gaza’s population. The incident complicates delicate ceasefire efforts where Qatar has played a pivotal mediating role.

Conflicting Accounts on Advance Notification

The Trump administration was notified of the attack shortly before its execution, according to Leavitt, who declined to confirm whether Israel directly informed U.S. military forces stationed in Qatar ahead of time. This contrasts with an earlier White House official’s claim that Israel provided immediate prior notice.

Leavitt also said President Trump ordered U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatari officials about the impending strike, a claim disputed by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Majed al Ansari. Al Ansari stated, “The communication received from one of the American officials came during the sound of explosions resulting from the Israeli attack in Doha,” dismissing any suggestion of advance warning.

Strategic Implications and Reactions

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) publicly acknowledged the “precise strike,” accusing the targeted Hamas leaders of direct responsibility for the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. A senior Israeli official confirmed the strike’s location as Doha. The attack represents a notable escalation in Israel’s campaign against Hamas following the deadly incursion last year.

Qatar condemned the strike as a “cowardly attack” that violates international law and endangers civilians. Hamas sources indicated the targeted individuals were part of their delegation involved in ceasefire negotiations, as reported by Al Jazeera.

In response to the strike, the U.S. embassy in Doha initially issued a shelter-in-place order but later lifted all restrictions. President Trump reassured Qatari leadership that such an incident would not recur on their soil and emphasized the strong bilateral relationship.

Outlook

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed a desire to expedite peace talks with Hamas, despite the heightened military action. The strike in Qatar adds complexity to the fragile diplomatic landscape and raises questions about the future trajectory of peace efforts in the Middle East.