In a rare departure from his usual support for Israeli actions, US President Donald Trump expressed discontent with Israel’s recent airstrike on Doha, Qatar, which targeted senior Hamas leaders. The strike resulted in the deaths of five Hamas members, including the son of exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, according to Hamas.

Trump stated that the attack was a decision made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was not directed by the United States. He emphasized that a unilateral strike on Qatar did not serve the interests of either the US or Israel.

The airstrike, which took place on September 9, aimed to assassinate senior Hamas political leaders. It has drawn widespread condemnation across the Middle East and beyond, with concerns that the attack could escalate regional tensions.

US-Qatar Dispute Over Prior Warning

Trump claimed he had instructed US envoy Steve Witkoff to warn Qatar about the strike, but admitted the message came too late. Qatar, however, denied receiving any advance warning, stating that a US official only called after explosions were heard in Doha.

Strong Reactions From the Region

The strike unsettled Qatar’s Gulf neighbors. Doha, home to the region’s largest US military base and a massive sovereign wealth fund, was shocked by the attack. The move was widely condemned in the region. The UAE, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, warned of “extremely dangerous repercussions” for regional security. Saudi Arabia labeled the attack a “criminal act,” while Qatar condemned it as a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.”

Netanyahu and Hamas Respond

Netanyahu called the strike an “independent Israeli operation,” suggesting that it could help bring an end to the Gaza war if Hamas accepts Trump’s proposed framework. Hamas, however, dismissed the strike, reaffirming its conditions for peace and confirming the deaths of five of its members, although its negotiating team survived.

Global Reactions

European leaders expressed concerns that the strike could undermine ceasefire negotiations and peace efforts. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, while French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the war should not spread throughout the region.

Impact on Oil Markets

Oil prices surged following the attack, raising fears of a broader Middle East conflict. West Texas Intermediate crude rose by 2.3% above $63 per barrel, according to Bloomberg.

Context of the Gaza Conflict

The Israel-Hamas conflict has been ongoing since the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Qatar has played a key role in mediating ceasefire talks and hostage negotiations. Despite progress in mid-August with Hamas agreeing to release some hostages in exchange for partial Israeli withdrawal, negotiations have stalled over demands for full disarmament. Israel has also ordered the evacuation of one million residents from Gaza City in preparation for a major offensive.

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