US President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he was “not thrilled” by Israel’s strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar.
“I'm not thrilled about it. I'm not thrilled about the whole situation. It's not... not a good situation,” Trump said when asked about the Israeli strike.
“But I will say this: We want the hostages back. But we are not thrilled about the way that went down today,” he added.
Asked whether he was caught by surprise by the Israeli strike, Trump replied, “I'm never surprised by anything. Especially when it comes to the Middle East. I'll be giving a full statement tomorrow, but... I would tell you this: I was very unhappy about it. Very unhappy about every aspect. We gotta get the hostages back. But I was very unhappy about the way that went down.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump commented on the Israeli strike in a post on Truth Social, writing that the decision to attack in Qatar was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“This morning, the Trump Administration was notified by the United States Military that Israel was attacking Hamas which, very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the Capital of Qatar. This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me,” wrote Trump.
He added, “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a Sovereign Nation and close Ally of the United States, that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker Peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals. However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.”
“I immediately directed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did, however, unfortunately, too late to stop the attack. I view Qatar as a strong Ally and friend of the U.S., and feel very badly about the location of the attack,” Trump continued.
“I want ALL of the Hostages, and bodies of the dead, released, and this War to END, NOW! I also spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu after the attack. The Prime Minister told me that he wants to make Peace. I believe this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for PEACE. I also spoke to the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar, and thanked them for their support and friendship to our Country. I assured them that such a thing will not happen again on their soil. I have directed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to finalize the Defense Cooperation Agreement with Qatar. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” concluded the President.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in her daily press briefing that the US had informed Qatar before the Israeli attack. However, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Thani later claimed that the United States had informed Qatar of the strike ten minutes after it occurred.