President Donald Trump issued a statement Tuesday, both on Truth Social and through his press secretary, threading the needle between Israel and Qatar following strikes on Hamas.
The Israeli military launched an airstrike early Tuesday morning on Qatar’s capital of Doha in an effort to target senior Hamas leadership. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt read a statement from Trump during her press briefing, the same one later put on Truth Social by the president, which signals his displeasure with the location of the attack but support for eliminating Hamas leadership.
“This morning, the Trump Administration was notified by the United States Military that Israel was attacking Hamas which, very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the Capital of Qatar. This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me. 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,” Trump’s statement reads.
“However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal. I immediately directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did, however, unfortunately, too late to stop the attack. 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! 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,” the president continues.
Trump added that he spoke to the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar to thank him for their support and friendship. The president added that he assured the leader that such an attack wouldn’t happen again in Qatar.
Qatar has been a mediator between Israel and Hamas since October 2023. The country’s leaders condemned the attack.
“I have directed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to finalize the Defense Cooperation Agreement with Qatar. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump finished.
Prime Minister’s Office:
Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation.
Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility.
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 9, 2025
The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli officials told the outlet that U.S. officials gave the country the “green light” to strike within Qatar. A U.S. official disputed that claim, telling the outlet that no approval was granted.
One senior Israeli official told Channel 12 that they got a “green light” from the U.S. for the attack, The Times of Israel reported.
Leavitt emphasized to reporters on Tuesday that Trump was told of the attack by the U.S. military. The press secretary added that the president “passed along” his displeasure to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the location of the attack.
The press secretary added that Netanyahu told Trump he wants to “make peace” in the near future. She told reporters that Trump hopes the “unfortunate incident” could be an “opportunity” to bring peace to the region.
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