'I’m not thrilled about the whole situation': Trump criticises Israeli attack in Doha

US President Donald Trump criticised Israel’s strike on Hamas targets in Qatar, saying the attack “does not advance Israel or America’s goals” and expressing regret over the location of the attack.

In a Truth Social post on Tuesday, Trump said that he was informed by the US military that Israel was striking Hamas in Doha, the Qatari capital, but that it was “unfortunately, too late to stop the attack.”

“This was a decision made by [Israel’s] Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me,” Trump said, while describing Qatar as a “strong ally and friend.”

According to Hamas, six people were killed in the attack, including a member of Qatar’s security forces, though the group confirmed its leadership team survived.

Trump issued what amounted to a rare public rebuke of Netanyahu, writing: “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.”

Also Read: Qatar reserves the right to retaliate after Israeli attack, says Qatari PM

Speaking later to reporters, Trump said he was “very unhappy about the way that it went down,” adding: “I’m not thrilled about the whole situation.” He called for the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and promised to release “a full statement” on Wednesday.

“I’m never surprised by anything. Especially when it comes to the Middle East,” he remarked.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that “The president also spoke to the emir and prime minister of Qatar and thanked them for their support and friendship to our country.” She added that “He assured them that such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”

The strike occurred early Tuesday afternoon, with video circulating online showing a heavily damaged building in Doha.

Qatar’s foreign ministry denounced the attack “in the strongest possible terms,” calling it a “blatant violation” of international law. It further stated that Qatari officials were not informed in advance of the Israeli operation.