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US Says It Warned Qatar Before Israel’s Strike
The White House said it had informed Qatari officials in advance of Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Doha. Qatar disputed the account, insisting it only learned of the attack after explosions began. The disagreement focuses on when, and through whom, the message was delivered, as Israel widened its operations beyond Gaza.
Trump’s Reaction
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “very unhappy” with the strike and argued that “business as usual has not worked.” He maintained that Washington sought to notify Qatar in advance. The administration stated the attack inside a U.S. ally “does not advance Israel’s or America’s goals.”
Casualties Reported
The Israeli strike targeted a location linked to Hamas leadership. At least five people were killed, including the son of senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya and a Qatari security officer. Hamas said its top leaders survived. The attack drew international criticism and raised concerns about Israel’s military actions outside Gaza.
Diplomatic Stakes
Qatar hosts key ceasefire talks and the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base, making the incident highly sensitive. The U.S. Embassy in Doha briefly issued a shelter-in-place warning for American citizens before withdrawing it. The episode comes as Washington also coordinates with Europe on broader sanctions against Russia, underscoring U.S. efforts to balance multiple global crises without straining alliances.
