DOHA – Qatar strongly rejected claims by the White House that it was warned before Israel’s strike on Hamas negotiators in Doha. The Qatari government said Washington called only after explosions had begun.
The attack, carried out in a residential area of Qatar’s capital, killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. The White House had stated that US President Donald Trump’s administration had notified Qatari officials in advance.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Israel targeted Hamas members “unfortunately located in Doha,” emphasizing that unilateral strikes inside Qatar did not serve American or Israeli interests. She added that Trump directed his envoy, Steve Witkoff, to inform Qatari officials.
Qatar refutes White House account
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the claim false. Spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said the call from Washington came “during the sound of explosions.” Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed the notification arrived ten minutes after the attack began. He condemned the strike as “state terrorism” and a violation of Qatari sovereignty.
Trump’s response and Israeli role
Trump expressed regret over the location of the attack, stating it was a decision made independently by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump clarified that his envoy tried to warn Qatar, but the notification came too late.
Hamas reaction and ongoing mediation
Hamas confirmed the deaths but said its main negotiating team survived. The group accused Israel of undermining peace talks and held Washington “jointly responsible” for supporting Israel.
Qatar has historically played a central role in mediating truces, including a ceasefire in January 2025 and prior agreements in 2023. Following the attack, Trump urged Hamas to accept his terms, warning of consequences if they refused.
The incident has intensified scrutiny over international coordination and the delicate role Qatar continues to play in Middle East peace negotiations.
In other news read more about Israeli Air Strike Targets Hamas Officials in Doha
