Trump Criticizes Netanyahu Over Israeli Strike in Qatar Amid Gaza Ceasefire Efforts

In an unprecedented move, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following an Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, which targeted Hamas leaders. The strike, which resulted in six deaths—including a Qatari security officer—has escalated tensions in the Middle East and complicated ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

The Incident

On September 9, 2025, Israel conducted an airstrike in Doha, aiming at senior Hamas figures. The attack led to the deaths of six individuals, including a Qatari security officer. While Hamas claimed that the leadership survived the strike, the incident has drawn widespread international condemnation.

U.S. Response

President Trump expressed strong disapproval of the strike, stating that it was a decision made solely by Netanyahu and not by the United States. He emphasized that bombing a sovereign ally like Qatar, which has been actively involved in peace negotiations, does not advance the goals of either Israel or the U.S. Trump also mentioned that he had directed U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to warn Qatar about the impending attack, but the warning came too late to prevent it.

Qatar’s Position

Qatar has denied receiving prior notification of the strike from the U.S. government. Qatari officials stated that they were informed only after the attack had occurred, describing the incident as a breach of their sovereignty. The Qatari leadership has expressed strong condemnation of the strike and is considering appropriate responses.

International Reactions

The international community has largely condemned the Israeli airstrike. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack a violation of Qatari sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. Other nations have echoed similar sentiments, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions and prioritize diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Conclusion

The Israeli airstrike in Doha has significantly strained relations between the U.S. and Israel, with President Trump distancing himself from the decision. The incident has also complicated efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the challenges of coordinating international responses in a volatile geopolitical landscape. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these tensions will affect future diplomatic initiatives in the region.