White House: Witkoff was told to inform Qataris of impending attack

White House: Witkoff was told to inform Qataris of impending attack

Title: White House: Witkoff Informed Qataris of Impending Attack

September 9, 2025 - The White House has confirmed that an Israeli official, identified as Witkoff, informed Qatari authorities of an impending attack on Hamas leaders in Doha. This revelation comes amid heightened tensions following the strike, which has drawn international condemnation.

According to a senior Qatari official, Witkoff made contact with Qatari authorities to inform them of the impending attack. The official stated that the Qatari government was not aware of the strike beforehand and that the communication was made to avoid any civilian casualties .

The White House has not yet issued an official statement regarding Witkoff's role in the incident, but sources within the administration have confirmed that Witkoff was indeed the Israeli official who made the contact with Qatari authorities .

The strike, which occurred on Tuesday, has been widely condemned by the international community. Qatar's Foreign Ministry described the attack as "cowardly" and a "blatant violation of international laws and norms." Jordan has also condemned the strike, calling it a "flagrant violation of international law" .

The US Embassy in Qatar has issued a shelter-in-place order for its facilities in the country following the strike. The embassy has not provided any further details on the reason for the order .

The White House is expected to hold a briefing later today to address the strike and the ongoing situation in Qatar. The briefing will be led by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who will answer questions from the media .

The strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar marks the first time Israel has launched an operation in the country. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has stated that the operation was a "precise strike" targeting "senior leadership" of Hamas .

The White House has been under pressure to respond to the strike and the ongoing violence in the region. Senator Elizabeth Warren has called for the US to push back on Netanyahu's policies and to work towards a cessation of violence .

The strike has also drawn attention to the ongoing matter of the Epstein "birthday book," which has been a topic of discussion at the White House briefing today .

The situation in Qatar remains tense, with the Qatari government vowing to stand with Qatar if it chooses to respond to the violence. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging all parties to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions .

References:
https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-qatar-attack-09-09-25
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c87y8w1qr47t