Israel targeted Qatar on Tuesday by striking the homes of several members of Hamas’s political bureau. The attack killed six people, including the son of Hamas’s chief negotiator, and a Qatari security officer.
Hamas confirmed that its senior leaders survived the strikes. However, the group acknowledged the deaths of three bodyguards, an aide, and the negotiator Khalil al-Hayya’s son. In a statement, Hamas declared that the attack showed “the enemy’s failure to assassinate our brothers in the negotiating delegation.” Qatar’s Interior Ministry reported that one of its internal security force members died in the attack, while several others were injured.
Qatar’s Strong Reaction
The strike drew a sharp response from Qatar, which has been acting as a mediator in the Gaza conflict. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani condemned the assault and hinted at possible retaliation. “We believe that today we have reached a pivotal moment,” he said during a press conference. “There must be a response from the entire region to such barbaric actions.”
The Qatari leader stressed that the attack not only targeted Hamas but also struck at Qatar’s role as a peace mediator. He said his country “reserved the right to respond” to Israel’s actions.
Why Israel Launched the Attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the airstrike in retaliation for a deadly shooting in Jerusalem on Monday. That attack, later claimed by Hamas, left six people dead.
Netanyahu framed the strike as a necessary step to eliminate Hamas leadership and prevent further attacks.
US Reacts: Trump Criticizes Israeli Move
In a rare rebuke, US President Donald Trump criticized Israel for striking Qatar, a close American ally. Speaking to reporters during a public outing in Washington, Trump said, “I’m not thrilled about the whole situation.”
He stressed that the US wants to see hostages freed but disapproved of how the strike was carried out. “We want the hostages back, but we are not thrilled about the way that went down today,” Trump said.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump clarified that the decision was entirely Netanyahu’s. “This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu; it was not a decision made by me,” he wrote.
Trump also expressed sympathy for Qatar while maintaining his opposition to Hamas. “I view Qatar as a strong Ally and friend of the US, and feel very badly about the location of the attack,” he said, adding that eliminating Hamas remained a “worthy goal.”
Rising Regional Tensions
The strike has intensified tensions in the region, threatening Qatar’s mediation efforts and raising fears of a broader conflict. With Hamas vowing to continue its resistance and Qatar demanding a regional response, the attack could reshape the dynamics of the Gaza war.