Trump Criticizes Israel Strike Inside Qatar, But Says Taking Out Hamas ‘Is A Worthy Goal’
President Donald Trump expressed concern Tuesday over Israel’s strike in Doha, Qatar, that killed top Hamas operatives, but reaffirmed that dismantling Hamas remains a “worthy goal.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read a statement during the daily briefing revealing that the U.S. was alerted by military officials about the Israeli strike ahead of time. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, then informed Qatari officials before the operation took place.
“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,” Leavitt said.
“However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those in Gaza, is a worthy goal.”
The Israeli strike reportedly killed senior Hamas figures Khalil al-Hayya — deputy to Yahya Sinwar — and Zaher Jabarin, a senior figure in Hamas’s military wing. Israeli authorities said several others involved in planning the October 7, 2023, terror attacks were also killed.
.@PressSec reads a statement on the Israeli strike in Doha: “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and ally… does not advance Israeli’s or America’s goals. However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.” pic.twitter.com/uocd85XKVI
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 9, 2025
A Complicated Ally
Qatar hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and has been instrumental in negotiations around hostages and ceasefires. Trump, who visited Qatar in May and signed a major economic agreement, has made strengthening ties with the Emirate a priority in his second term.
“The president views Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the United States and feels very badly about the location of this attack,” Leavitt said.
She also reiterated the president’s demand that Hamas immediately release the remaining hostages in Gaza and called for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Private Talks with Netanyahu and the Emir
Following the strike, Trump spoke directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and made his concerns “very clear,” according to Leavitt. The president also called the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar, thanking them for their partnership and assuring them “that such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”
“President Trump believes this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace,” Leavitt added.
The White House did not indicate whether the U.S. attempted to prevent the strike, but made clear it was not involved. The administration’s priority, according to Leavitt, remains supporting Israel’s right to self-defense while preserving stability with key regional allies like Qatar.