U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Israel following its recent attack on Hamas officials in Qatar, a country he described as a “very good ally.”
Speaking to reporters late Sunday, Trump stressed caution: “Qatar is a very good ally. Israel and everyone else, you must be careful. When you attack people, you have to be careful.”
The remarks came just days after the Israeli airstrike in Doha, the Qatari capital, where Hamas maintains its political office. The attack killed five Hamas members and one Qatari security officer, drawing sharp condemnation from across the Arab world.
Trump also stated he was “very unhappy” with Israel’s decision to carry out the strike in Qatar.
Despite the controversy, U.S. diplomats believe the incident will not cause lasting damage to Washington’s ties with Israel.
Qatar’s Role in Gaza Mediation
Qatar has been a key mediator in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, where war erupted after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The Gulf state has consistently positioned itself as a diplomatic channel between the parties.
In response to the strike, Qatari authorities urged the international community to stop applying “double standards” toward Israel and demanded accountability for the attack.
Qatar is also home to the largest U.S. military base in the region, underscoring its strategic importance to Washington.
