Israel’s air strike in Qatar has triggered strong global reactions, with US President Donald Trump saying he was “not thrilled” about the operation that killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. The attack marked the first time Israel expanded its war beyond Gaza, creating new tensions for Washington and threatening fragile ceasefire talks.
The strike hit residential buildings in Doha’s Katara district, where Hamas negotiators were meeting. Israel said the attack was aimed at senior Hamas leaders linked to the October 7 assault on Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike as “fully justified,” while Defense Minister Israel Katz said it was ordered in response to recent deadly attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza. Israeli media reported that 15 jets fired multiple munitions within seconds.
Hamas confirmed the deaths of five members, including Humam al-Hayya, son of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya, but said the assassination attempt on its negotiating team failed. The group accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging peace talks, claiming the delegation had been discussing Trump’s ceasefire proposal when the bombing began.
Trump, speaking to reporters, admitted unease about the strike: “Well, I’m not thrilled… it’s not a good situation. But we want the hostages back.” The White House said Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff had informed Qatar of the planned attack, though officials in Doha strongly rejected that claim. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the US call came only after the bombs had already fallen.
Qatari leaders condemned the strike as a violation of sovereignty. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani told Trump in a phone call that it was a “reckless, criminal act” and a breach of international law. Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called it “state terrorism.”
Hamas placed blame on both Israel and the US, saying Washington’s military and political backing enabled the attack. The group declared that the bombing showed Israel had no interest in reaching an agreement.
The unprecedented strike on Qatari soil has put ceasefire talks in jeopardy, fueled tensions between Washington and Doha, and raised serious questions about the widening scope of Israel’s military campaign.
