^{Photo: BBC}

The Trump administration on Tuesday sharply criticized Israel’s surprise strike targeting senior Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, raising concerns about the attack’s impact on ongoing peace negotiations in the region.

The Strike and Immediate Fallout

Israel carried out a precision attack early Tuesday, reportedly targeting members of Hamas’ political bureau who were involved in ceasefire discussions. According to a senior Israeli official, the strike occurred in Doha, though the Israel Defense Forces initially did not publicly disclose the location. Israel justified the action by claiming the targeted officials were “directly responsible” for the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel.

Qatar condemned the strike as a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms”, emphasizing the threat it posed to the safety of its citizens. Majed al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that any reports claiming Qatar had prior notice were “baseless,” noting that U.S. communication arrived during the explosions, not beforehand.

The U.S. embassy in Doha temporarily issued a shelter-in-place order for its personnel but lifted the restrictions later in the day as the situation stabilized.

U.S. Response

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed disapproval, stating that the unilateral strike “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” She emphasized that while eliminating Hamas is a “worthy goal,” conducting an attack in a sovereign U.S. ally’s territory—Qatar hosts a significant American military presence—was highly problematic.

President Trump reportedly ordered U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatar about the impending strike, though the timing of that communication remains disputed. Leavitt reassured that Trump views Qatar as a “strong ally and friend” and promised that “such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”

Diplomatic Implications

The strike represents a major escalation in Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas, particularly its leadership outside Gaza. It occurred as the group’s officials were reportedly meeting to discuss Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan.

Trump also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reiterated his commitment to quickly pursuing peace with Hamas. Despite this, the strike has intensified regional tensions and prompted calls for careful coordination to avoid destabilizing U.S.-allied countries in the Middle East.

Reactions from Hamas

Hamas confirmed that the targeted officials were part of the negotiating delegation, highlighting the strike’s timing during peace discussions. Qatar’s government and Hamas condemned the attack, emphasizing both the violation of international norms and the potential disruption to ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The incident underscores the delicate balance in the Middle East, where military actions intersect with diplomatic negotiations, U.S. interests, and regional stability.