Global Shock as Israel Strikes Qatar; Trump Denies Involvement, Netanyahu Under Fire

WASHINGTON: An unprecedented Israeli airstrike on Qatari soil has sent shockwaves through the international community, drawing widespread condemnation and sparking diplomatic tensions. The strike, reportedly targeting senior Hamas officials meeting in Doha, has prompted denials from Washington, fury from Doha, and global concern over the deepening instability in the Middle East.

According to reports, the Israeli strike hit a building in central Doha on Monday night, allegedly housing Hamas leaders engaged in ceasefire discussions amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While Israel has not officially confirmed the operation, Israeli officials have hinted at intelligence linking the location to high-level Hamas coordination.

Trump Distances Himself From Attack

In a swift response to mounting criticism, US President Donald Trump publicly denied any involvement in or approval of the Israeli operation, emphasizing that the decision was made independently by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“The decision to strike Qatar was Netanyahu’s, not mine,” Trump said in a press briefing at the White House. “The United States was not consulted nor did we authorize this action.”

Trump added that he had directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to proceed with finalizing a US-Qatar defense cooperation agreement, underlining Washington’s ongoing commitment to its Gulf ally.

Doha Outraged, Denies US Warning

The White House claimed that US officials had alerted Qatari authorities in advance of the attack. However, this assertion was strongly rejected by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dr. Majed Al-Ansari called the US claims “entirely baseless,” stating that any communication from American officials occurred during the attack — not before.

“Qatar had no prior knowledge of this illegal and provocative strike on our sovereign territory,” said Al-Ansari. “The U.S. did not inform us beforehand. We received their communication only after the bombing had begun.”

Qatar has demanded an international investigation and called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, accusing Israel of violating its sovereignty and threatening regional peace.

Global Condemnation Grows

The airstrike has triggered widespread condemnation from international actors including the European Union, the Arab League, and human rights organizations. Many have warned that the action could further destabilize the region and derail any progress toward a ceasefire in Gaza.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement calling for “maximum restraint” and warned of the “dangerous consequences of expanding the battlefield to new territories.”

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Regional analysts say the strike marks a dangerous escalation, as it is believed to be the first Israeli military action on Qatari soil — a nation that has hosted Hamas political leaders but also maintains close ties with the U.S. and has played a mediator role in past Middle East peace efforts.

Trump Reaffirms Ties With Qatar, Slams Hamas

Despite distancing himself from the Israeli operation, President Trump used the opportunity to reiterate U.S. support for Qatar and condemned Hamas.

“Qatar is a sovereign state and a vital U.S. partner in the region,” Trump stated. “We appreciate their efforts toward peace, even as Hamas continues to exploit the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with ceasefire negotiations now in jeopardy following the targeting of Hamas leaders in Doha. Humanitarian agencies have warned of a deepening crisis as diplomatic efforts stall.

What’s Next?

With tensions running high, Qatar is expected to push for international accountability, while Israel remains tight-lipped on the operation. The United States finds itself walking a tightrope — maintaining its alliance with both nations while attempting to defuse an increasingly volatile situation.

The coming days will likely prove pivotal, as the global community watches closely for any further escalation or diplomatic breakthroughs.