'Feels very badly': Trump informed Qatari leaders ahead of attack; still supports eliminating Hamas

US President Donald Trump instructed his team to notify Qatari officials ahead of an Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leadership and “feels very badly” about the location of the attack, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference, Leavitt described Qatar as a “sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and bravely” to broker a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. She emphasised that while Trump regrets the location of the strike, “eliminating Hamas is a worthy goal.”

Conversations with Netanyahu and Qatari Emir

Following the strike, Trump spoke with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Qatari Emir, assuring Qatar that “such a thing will not happen again on their soil.”

Leavitt also said Trump wants all hostages in Gaza and the bodies of the dead released, and for the war to end immediately.When asked whether the president believes Israel is undermining negotiations in Doha, Leavitt said Trump addressed that “unilaterally,” reiterating that the administration had been notified ahead of the attack. Leavitt added that Trump’s conversation with Qatar included key advisers Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff.

Netanyahu reportedly told Trump that he wants to make peace quickly.

Targeted strike in Doha

Doha was shaken by a series of explosions on Tuesday, with witnesses reporting smoke rising over the Katara district. Qatari authorities condemned the strikes as a “cowardly assault” on residential buildings housing Hamas leaders and warned that the attacks could lead to a dangerous escalation.The office of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on X that the operation was “wholly independent” and conducted by the Israel defense forces and the Israeli security agency. “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” the post said.Following the strike, the US Embassy in Doha advised American citizens to remain indoors and monitor embassy social media for updates: “US citizens are advised to shelter-in-place and monitor @USEmbassyDoha social media for updates.”