WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered somewhat contradictory statements regarding Israel’s strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar.

On the one hand, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the Israeli strike “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.”

“However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal,” Trump added.

“I believe this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for PEACE.” he claimed.

Trump said he was tipped off by the US military about the Israeli strike in Doha and that he immediately directed US special envoy Steve Witkoff to inform Qatar of what was coming — “which he did, however, unfortunately, too late to stop the attack.”

“This [strike] was a decision made by Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu. It was not a decision made by me,” the US president stressed.

Trump made a point of hailing Qatar, saying the Gulf mediating country is “working very hard and bravely taking risks with us to broker peace.”

“I view Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the US and feel very badly about the location of the attack,” he said.

Trump reiterated his desire to see the release of all hostages and an end to the war “NOW!”

He noted that he spoke with Netanyahu after the Israeli strike and Netanyahu relayed that “he wants to make peace.”

Trump added that he also spoke to the emir and prime minister of Qatar and thanked them for their “support and friendship to our country.”

“I assured them that such a thing will not happen again on their soil,” Trump said, adding that he has also directed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to finalize the defense cooperation agreement with Qatar.

Trump’s post was nearly identical to a

© The Times of Israel