Washington: US President Donald Trump has issued a rare rebuke of Israel after it launched a deadly strike against the leadership of Hamas in Doha, the capital of American ally Qatar, amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by the terrorist group.
Israel immediately confirmed it conducted the strikes. “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it and Israel takes full responsibility.”
Israeli media reported the US was given notice of the operation, citing officials. But Trump said his government was told about the strikes by the US military, and rebuked Israel over the “unfortunate” incident.
“This morning, the Trump administration was notified by the United States military that Israel was attacking Hamas which, very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the capital of Qatar,” Trump said on social media.
“This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me. 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.
“However, eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal.”
Smoke is seen on the Doha skyline as Israel says it targeted Hamas leadership in Qatar strike. Credit: AP
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