President Donald Trump has issued a pointed warning to Israel over its handling of Qatar following recent Israeli strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha. Speaking to reporters at Morristown Airport in New Jersey, Trump praised Qatar as “a great ally of the United States” and cautioned Israel to be “very, very careful” in its approach. While acknowledging Israel’s need to act against Hamas, Trump underscored that the US values its partnership with Qatar, describing Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as a “wonderful person.”
Trump’s remarks came just days after hosting Qatar’s prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, for dinner in New York, a move interpreted as a signal of Washington’s commitment to maintaining close ties with Doha despite the escalating tensions. His comments also reflected a careful balancing act, as the US seeks to support Israel’s security needs while safeguarding its strategic alliance with Qatar, which hosts key American military facilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defending the strike on Hamas leadership in Doha, invoked America’s response to the September 11 attacks, arguing that governments cannot shelter terrorists. “What did America do in the wake of September 11th? It promised to hunt down the terrorists who committed this heinous crime, wherever they may be,” Netanyahu said in a video message. He insisted that Israel’s actions were consistent with international obligations to deny safe haven to militant groups.
Qatar, however, condemned the Israeli strikes as a “blatant violation of all international laws and norms,” warning that the attack endangered the safety of its citizens and residents. The strikes targeted Hamas’ political headquarters as its top leaders convened to discuss a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza, raising fears that the escalation could derail ongoing negotiations for a truce and hostage releases.
The episode has placed Washington in a delicate position, forced to navigate between two of its closest partners in the Middle East. Trump’s warning to Israel suggests an effort to prevent further destabilisation at a moment when diplomacy around Gaza remains fragile, while also reinforcing the importance of Qatar as a trusted ally in US strategic calculations.
