US President Donald Trump has issued a cautious warning to Israel following its controversial airstrike on Qatar, which killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer.
The strike — an unprecedented attack on Doha, where negotiations between Hamas and Israel had been ongoing to end the war in Gaza — has sparked outrage across the Arab and Muslim world.
“Qatar has been a very great ally. Israel and everyone else, we have to be careful. When we attack people we have to be careful,” Trump told reporters on Sunday.
Regional Fallout
The airstrike has deepened tensions between two of Washington’s key allies in the Middle East. Qatar, which hosts the largest US military base in the region, has been a crucial diplomatic mediator in the Israel–Hamas conflict.
In response, Arab and Muslim leaders, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, gathered in Doha in a strong show of solidarity with Qatar.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned the strike, calling on the international community to “stop using double standards” and hold Israel accountable for its actions.
Unprecedented Escalation
The attack marked the first time Israel has struck Qatar’s capital, raising fears of a broader escalation in the region. Analysts warn that the move could complicate US diplomacy, given Washington’s deep ties with both nations.
As regional anger grows, Trump’s comments highlight the delicate balancing act facing Washington, which must manage its alliances while seeking a resolution to the Gaza conflict.
