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Defense &
National Security

Defense &
National Security

The Big Story

Israel attacks Hamas leadership in Qatar - what to know

Israel escalated its war against Hamas on Tuesday, launching an assassination strike against Hamas’s political leadership in Qatar, quickly drawing condemnation across the region.

© UGC via Associated Press

The White House said President Trump was dismayed by the location of the strike, on a key U.S. ally in the region. The administration was made aware of the strike as Israel was attacking Hamas.

Qatar accused Israel of violating international norms and laws, stating the operation presented a threat to the “security and safety of Qataris and residents in Qatar.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday quoted the president saying Israel’s strike in Qatar was not in the U.S.’s interests and that he “feels very bad” about the location of the attack.

“Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States that is working very hard and greatly taking risks with us to broker peace, does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” Leavitt told reporters during a Tuesday press briefing.

“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. “President Trump wants all of the hostages in Gaza and the bodies of the dead released and this war to end now.”

The administration was notified of the strike by the U.S. military, Leavitt said Tuesday.

Axios reported the U.S. military saw Israeli jets flying east toward the Gulf, and when they requested information, Israeli bombs were already dispatched. The press secretary said the president directed special envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatari officials of the attack.

Qatar

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