US President Donald Trump instructed his team to notify Qatari officials ahead of an Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leadership and “feels very badly” about the location of the attack, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference, Leavitt described Qatar as a “sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely” to broker a peace deal between Israel and Hamas.
She emphasised that while Trump regrets the location of the strike, “eliminating Hamas is a worthy goal.”
Also read: 'Trump gave green light': Blasts in Doha; Israel confirms strike on Hamas leadersConversations with Netanyahu and Qatari Emir
Following the strike, Trump spoke with both Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Qatari Emir, assuring Qatar that “such a thing will not happen again on their soil.” Leavitt added that Trump wants all hostages in Gaza and the bodies of the dead released, and for the war to end immediately.
Leavitt told reporters Tuesday that the US military had notified the White House that Israel was carrying out the attack on Hamas in a section of Doha. Trump then directed envoy Steve Witkoff to alert the Qataris of the impending strike.
Also read: 'Blatant attack': Qatar PM warns of right to respond after Israeli strike on Doha; demands regional responseNo benefit to US or Israel
“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 said, as quoted by the BBC. She added, however, that eliminating Hamas is a “worthy goal.”
Leavitt also noted that Trump’s discussion with Qatari officials included key advisers Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff. Netanyahu, she said, told Trump that he wants to make peace quickly.
Targeted strike in Doha
Doha was shaken by a series of explosions on Tuesday, with witnesses reporting smoke rising over the Katara district. Qatari authorities condemned the strikes as a “cowardly assault” on residential buildings housing Hamas leaders and warned that the attacks could lead to a dangerous escalation.
The office of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on X that the operation was “wholly independent” and conducted by the Israel defense forces and the Israeli security agency.
“Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” the post said.
Following the strike, the US Embassy in Doha advised American citizens to remain indoors and monitor embassy social media for updates.
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