On September 9, 2025, President Donald Trump sharply criticized Israel for launching a military strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, a key U.S. ally and mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks. The attack, which killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, has strained diplomatic efforts and drawn global condemnation. Consequently, Trump called the strike “unfortunate” and warned it undermines U.S. and Israeli goals.

Israeli Strike in Doha

Israel’s military conducted a “precise strike” on a residential building in Doha, targeting senior Hamas leaders, including negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who survived. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dubbed the operation “Summit of Fire,” claiming it aimed at figures responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. However, the strike killed five Hamas members, including al-Hayya’s son, and a Qatari security officer, Bader Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi al-Dosari. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a “cowardly” violation of its sovereignty, noting it targeted Hamas’s political office, hosted in Doha since 2012 at U.S. request.

Moreover, the strike hit a residential area, raising concerns about civilian safety. Qatar, which hosts the U.S.’s largest Middle East military base, Al Udeid, with 10,000 American troops, has been pivotal in mediating Gaza ceasefire talks. The attack, the first of its kind on Qatari soil, risks derailing fragile negotiations to end the Israel-Hamas war and secure the release of hostages.

Trump’s Strong Rebuke

Trump, who has historically supported Israel, issued an unusually public rebuke. In a Truth Social post, he stated, “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.” He emphasized Qatar’s role as a “strong ally and friend” and expressed regret over the strike’s location, clarifying it was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision, not his.

Furthermore, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trump’s stance during a September 9 briefing, calling the strike an “unfortunate incident.” She noted the U.S. military notified the Trump administration only after the attack began, and Trump directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatari officials. Trump later spoke with Qatar’s Emir and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, assuring them such an attack would not recur on Qatari soil.

However, Trump balanced his criticism by acknowledging that “eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.” He expressed hope that the incident could spur peace, urging the release of hostages and an end to the war.

Qatar strongly condemned the strike, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari calling it a “flagrant violation of international laws.” Neighboring states, Canada, France, the UK, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres also criticized the attack, warning it could escalate regional tensions and jeopardize ceasefire talks.

Hamas reported that its negotiating team survived and was reviewing Trump’s latest ceasefire proposal at the time of the strike. The group called the attack a “heinous crime,” raising doubts about Israel’s commitment to peace. Meanwhile, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz defended the strike, claiming it was “justified” to target those orchestrating attacks against Israel.