U.S. President Donald Trump has urged caution following an Israeli airstrike in Qatar’s capital, Doha, that reportedly killed five Hamas operatives and a Qatari security officer. The strike, which took place on Tuesday, has triggered regional backlash and heightened tensions between two of Washington’s key Middle Eastern partners.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump emphasized the strategic importance of Qatar, saying, “Qatar has been a very great ally. Israel and everyone else, we have to be careful. When we attack people, we have to be careful.”
The airstrike marked an unprecedented escalation, as Doha has been serving as a key venue for ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with Qatar playing a central role in mediation efforts alongside Egypt and the United States.
The incident has drawn condemnation from Arab and Muslim leaders, many of whom have gathered in Doha in a show of solidarity. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was among those calling for accountability. In response, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani criticized what he called international “double standards” and urged the global community to hold Israel responsible for its actions.
Qatar is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, underscoring its critical role in regional security.
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