United States President Donald Trump has condemned the recent Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas in Doha, Qatar.
Trump said the attack was a unilateral decision by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that undermines both Israeli and American interests.
In a statement via his Truth social media platform on Tuesday, Trump said the attack on the Hamas bureau, located in a section of Qatar’s capital, was not authorised by his administration.
He emphasised Qatar’s status as a sovereign nation and a close ally of the US, praising its efforts to broker peace in the region.
“This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu; it was not a decision made by me,” Trump wrote.
“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.”
While acknowledging the importance of eliminating Hamas, which he described as profiting from the suffering of Gaza’s residents, Trump expressed regret over the location of the attack.
Trump said he had immediately directed Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, to inform Qatari officials of the impending strike, noting that the warning came too late to prevent the attack.
Trump called for the immediate release of all hostages and the bodies of the dead, urging an end to the war.
The US president said he spoke with Netanyahu, who expressed a desire for peace, after the strike.
Trump added that he had also communicated with Qatar’s Emir and prime minister, thanking them for their support and friendship.
Trump assured that such an incident would not recur on Qatari soil and announced that he had directed Marco Rubio, secretary of state, to finalise a defence cooperation agreement with the Arabian country.
“I view Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the U.S. and feel very badly about the location of the attack. I want ALL of the Hostages, and bodies of the dead, released, and this War to END, NOW!,” he wrote.
“I also spoke to prime minister Netanyahu after the attack. The prime minister told me that he wants to make peace. I believe this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for PEACE.
“I also spoke to the Emir and prime minister of Qatar and thanked them for their support and friendship to our Country. I assured them that such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”
On Sunday, Trump issued a “last warning” to Hamas to accept his peace deals.
