US President Donald Trump has said that the decision to strike Hamas representatives in Qatar was not his, but Netanyahu’s.
“This morning, the Trump administration was informed by the US military that Israel was attacking Hamas, which, unfortunately, was located in Doha, the capital of Qatar. This was Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision, not mine. To launch a unilateral bombing campaign against Qatar, a sovereign state and a key ally of the United States, while Qatar is making significant efforts and taking serious risks to make peace with us, cannot serve the interests of either Israel or America.
However, the elimination of Hamas, which profits from the suffering of the people of Gaza, is a worthy goal. I immediately instructed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to inform the Qatari authorities of the incident, which he did, but unfortunately, it was too late to prevent the attack.
I consider Qatar a strong ally and friend of the United States and deeply regret the site of the attack. I want ALL hostages and bodies of the dead to be released, and this war to END NOW.
I also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu after the attack. He stressed his desire to make peace. This unfortunate incident can create an opportunity for peace.
I also spoke with the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar, thanking them for their support and friendship with our country. I assured them that this will never happen again on their soil.
I have instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to finalize a defense cooperation agreement with Qatar.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
