The Trump administration said Tuesday it was notified in advance of Israel’s strike on Hamas negotiators in Doha but stressed it did not support the move, warning that the attack undermines peace efforts involving Qatar.
US President Donald Trump’s administration confirmed it had prior knowledge of the strike on a residential area in Qatar’s capital, but described it as an Israeli decision, not an American one. Qatar has been playing a central role as mediator in US-backed ceasefire talks aimed at ending the war in Gaza.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokesperson, told reporters that the United States military informed the Trump administration of Israel’s plans. “The Trump administration was notified by the United States military that Israel was attacking Hamas, which very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the capital of Qatar,” she said.
“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” Leavitt added. “However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza is a worthy goal.”
Leavitt also said Trump instructed his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to “inform the Qataris of the impending attack.” She noted that Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the strike but did not specify whether he threatened any action against the close US ally.
She added that Trump “believes this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace.”
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Hamas confirmed the strike killed five of its members, though its main negotiating team survived. Qatar’s interior ministry said one of the dead was a Qatari security officer.
Trump addressed the incident on his Truth Social account, stating that the US military had notified him ahead of the Israeli strike in Doha. He emphasised it was Netanyahu’s decision, not his, and criticised the move while urging peace. Trump also confirmed ongoing talks with both Qatar and Israel.
Qatar’s ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, condemned the strike as “cowardly” and warned that the assault posed a serious threat to Qatari citizens.
The strike came just days after Trump issued a warning to Hamas’s negotiating team while pushing for a new ceasefire deal. Washington has consistently blamed Hamas for delays in negotiations, while Israel has faced accusations of repeatedly undermining the talks.
“The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well,” Trump posted on Sunday on Truth Social.
“I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one!”
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