White House Expresses Concern Over Israeli Strike in Qatar, Assures Allies It Won’t Be Repeated
Doha, Qatar – September 9, 2025 – The White house today described an Israeli attack targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, as an “unfortunate incident,” while together affirming support for israel’s goal of eliminating the Islamist movement. The strike, which occurred today, marks the first such action on Qatari soil and resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members and one Qatari security officer, according to Hamas and reports from EFE and AFP.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated at a press conference that the U.S. government was informed by the U.S.Army of the impending attack prior to its execution. She declined to comment on whether Israel had directly alerted the Pentagon.
“To unilaterally bombard within Qatar, a sovereign nation and a close ally of the United States that works very hard and bravely, assuming risks with us to mediate for peace, does not advance the objectives of Israel or the United States,” Leavitt said. “However, eliminating Hamas, which benefits from the misery of those who live in Gaza, is a laudable objective.”
Leavitt acknowledged the Hamas members were “unluckily” located in qatar’s capital and reiterated that the “unilateral” strike does not contribute to achieving peace. She emphasized President Donald Trump’s view of Qatar as “a powerful ally and friend” and stated he “feels very bad about the location of this attack.”
President Trump has directed his special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, to notify Qatar of the “imminent attack.” Following the bombing,Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and both the Emir of Qatar,Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani,and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al Thani. According to the White House, Trump thanked them for their support and friendship and assured them “that somthing like this will not happen again in their territory.”
The attack targeted members of a Hamas delegation reportedly discussing the latest U.S. truce proposal for Gaza. Hamas claims none of those killed were part of the negotiating team. Qatar is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and has been a key mediator in ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
