U.S. President Distances Self from Israeli Strike on Hamas in Qatar

On September 9, the United States President distanced himself from the Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, stating that it was a decision made by Israeli Prime Minister and not by him. The President immediately instructed the U.S. envoy to convey the relevant information to Qatar, but unfortunately, the information did not prevent the attack in time. The President also stated that he had instructed the Secretary of State to finalize a defense cooperation agreement with Qatar.

The White House expressed concern over the unilateral Israeli strike on Hamas in Qatar, stating that it would not help achieve the shared goal of ending the conflict in the Middle East. During a press conference, the White House Press Secretary expressed regret over the attack in Qatar, a staunch ally and friend of the United States. The President had communicated with both the Israeli Prime Minister and the Qatari Prime Minister following the attack. The White House had received notification from the U.S. military shortly before the attack that Israel was planning to strike Hamas, and the President had instructed the U.S. envoy to inform Qatar of the impending attack, which the envoy had completed. The President assured the Qatari leadership that such attacks would not occur again on Qatari soil.

When asked if the President had directly expressed his displeasure to the Israeli Prime Minister, the Press Secretary did not provide a direct answer, only stating that during their conversation, the Israeli Prime Minister reiterated his desire for peace as soon as possible. The President generally supports Israel's military actions against Hamas and other Iranian-backed extremist groups, including the recent airstrike on Iranian soil. However, the recent attack has put the United States in an awkward position between its two Middle Eastern allies. The Israeli Prime Minister described the latest strike on Hamas as a "completely independent Israeli operation." Later, during a speech at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, he stated that if Hamas accepted the peace principles proposed by the President, the attack could "open the door to ending the war in Gaza."

Hamas, in a statement, reported that the Israeli attack in Doha resulted in the deaths of five of its members, but the main negotiating team survived. Hamas added that the attack would not change its conditions for ending the fighting with Israel. The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson strongly condemned the attack, calling it a "flagrant violation of international law." The attack was also criticized by leaders in Europe. The British Prime Minister urged an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and massive aid to Gaza. The French President described the attack as "unacceptable," stating that war should not spread throughout the region. The German Foreign Minister expressed concern over the violation of Qatari territorial sovereignty, stating that the action threatened all efforts to release hostages. He had conveyed this view during a conversation with the Israeli Foreign Minister.

Since the deadly Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, Israel has been engaged in combat with the extremist group in Gaza. Qatar has played a crucial role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, facilitating intermittent ceasefire negotiations. It is widely believed that Israel was behind the assassination of the former Hamas leader in Tehran in July 2024. Israel has also conducted military operations against other countries, including a recent strike on the Lebanese Hezbollah.