"It was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision, not mine," Trump said on September 9, referring to the Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leadership in the Qatari capital.
Hamas reported that five of its members were killed, including the son of Khalil al-Hayya, a senior negotiator and exiled leader of the group in Gaza. However, Hamas claimed that Israel failed in its attempt to assassinate its ceasefire delegation. "I consider Qatar a strong ally and a friend of the U.S. and feel terrible about the location of the attack," Trump added, but emphasized that eliminating Hamas remains a "worthy goal."
Trump noted that the Israeli action could undermine Washington's efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. "Unilaterally bombing within Qatar's sovereign territory, a close ally of the U.S. that has been courageously taking risks with us to mediate peace, doesn't help the goals of either the U.S. or Israel," he stressed.
The U.S. was caught off guard by Israel's actions. "When the U.S. military informed the White House that Israel was about to strike Hamas, I immediately directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatar, which he did, but unfortunately, it was too late to prevent the attack," Trump said.
The U.S. leader later spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. "The Prime Minister said he wanted to build peace. I believe this unfortunate incident could become an opportunity to move toward peace," Trump added.
It is rare for Trump to criticize Netanyahu, as he has been a staunch supporter of the Israeli leader since returning to the White House in January.
Trump also instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to finalize a defense cooperation agreement with Qatar, adding that he had spoken with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to assure him that such Israeli actions "would not happen again" on Qatari soil.
Qatar had previously condemned the Israeli airstrike, stating they were not given prior warning. "An American official called during the explosions in Doha," said Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari.
This is not the first time Qatar has been caught in the Middle East's instability. In June, Iran launched missiles at the Al Udeid base in Qatar in retaliation for a U.S. strike on Tehran's nuclear facilities.
Qatar has been a crucial mediator in peace talks between Israel and Hamas. The group's leaders have also been based in Doha for many years.