US President Donald Trump has urged restraint from Israel following last week’s unprecedented airstrike on Qatar, a move that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and unsettled Washington’s relations with two of its key allies in the region.
The attack, carried out on Tuesday, targeted Hamas leaders who had been in Doha for negotiations aimed at halting the war in Gaza. According to Qatari authorities, the strike killed five Hamas members along with a Qatari security officer, an incident described by regional leaders as a direct violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump described Qatar as “a very great ally” and warned that all parties in the conflict needed to act with care. “Israel and everyone else, we have to be careful. When we attack people, we have to be careful,” he said. His remarks signal a delicate balancing act as Washington navigates mounting diplomatic fallout between Israel and Qatar, both close partners of the United States.
The airstrike has sparked widespread condemnation from Arab and Muslim nations. Leaders, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, have traveled to Doha in a show of solidarity. Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, accused the international community of “double standards” and called for Israel to be held accountable for what he described as an unjustifiable act of aggression.
Israel has defended its actions, claiming that Hamas leaders operating from Doha were directing militant operations in Gaza. However, the strike on the Qatari capital marks a sharp escalation, raising concerns that the conflict could spill beyond Gaza’s borders and destabilize the broader Gulf region.
The crisis has placed Washington in an increasingly uncomfortable position. Qatar not only plays a central role in mediating ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas but also hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East — Al Udeid Air Base, which serves as a hub for American operations across the region. Analysts warn that undermining Qatar’s security could jeopardize US strategic interests.
In recent days, Qatar has intensified its diplomatic outreach, urging global powers to intervene and prevent further attacks. “This cannot be allowed to continue without consequences,” Prime Minister Al Thani said, pressing for a unified international response to curb Israel’s actions.
As the standoff deepens, Trump’s cautious remarks reflect his administration’s effort to avoid alienating either Israel or Qatar. But with regional anger mounting and tensions escalating, Washington may soon be forced to take a clearer stance to prevent the crisis from spiraling further.
