Trump Criticizes Israel Strike Inside Qatar, But Says Taking Out Hamas ‘Is A Worthy Goal’

President Donald Trump was critical of Israel’s strike in Doha, Qatar, that targeted Hamas leaders, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying on Tuesday that the administration warned the Qatari government of the “impending attack.”

Leavitt read a prepared statement during the White House press briefing, stating that the administration was notified by the U.S. military of an impending Israeli strike and that special envoy Steve Witkoff gave the Qataris a heads-up before the bombing. While Trump was critical of Israel’s action to strike a target inside the capital of one of America’s “close” allies, he also acknowledged that taking out Hamas “is a worthy goal.”

“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” Leavitt said, reading from the statement. “However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those in Gaza, is a worthy goal. President Trump immediately directed special envoy Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did.”

.@PressSec reads a statement on the Israeli strike in Doha: “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and ally… does not advance Israeli’s or America’s goals. However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.” pic.twitter.com/uocd85XKVI

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 9, 2025

The largest U.S. military base in the Middle East is located in Qatar, just southwest of Doha. Trump has strengthened his ties with Qatar during his second term, despite accusing the country of funding terrorism during his first term in the White House. In May, Trump visited Qatar and signed a massive economic agreement with the government.

“The president views Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the United States and feels very badly about the location of this attack,” Leavitt added. The White House statement reiterated Trump’s call for Hamas to release the remaining hostages in Gaza and to work out an end to the war.

Trump spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the strike on Hamas leadership in Doha and made his concerns “very clear,” according to Leavitt. The president also spoke to the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar, “and thanked them for their support and friendship,” assuring them “that such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”

“President Trump believes this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace,” Leavitt added.

Israel said on Tuesday that it conducted a “precise strike” targeting key Hamas leaders in Doha. The strike killed Khalil al-Hayya, the deputy to former Gaza Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar and head of Hamas’s negotiation team, and Zaher Jabarin, a key figure in Hamas’s military wing, according to Israeli authorities. Israel said that several other Hamas leaders who were tied to the planning of the brutal October 7, 2023, attack against Israel were also killed in the bombing.