Trump: “Not Happy With the Way Things Went” After Israeli Strike in Qatar Targets Hamas Leaders

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed rare criticism of Israel late Tuesday night, following a dramatic and controversial Israeli airstrike in Doha, the capital of Qatar, that killed senior members of Hamas, including Khalil al-Hayya, the head of the organization’s negotiating team.

“I’m not happy with the whole situation. We want all the hostages back — but I’m not happy with the way things went today,” Trump told reporters.

When asked if he was surprised by the Israeli move, Trump said: “I’m not surprised by anything — especially not when it comes to the Middle East.”

Trump promised to issue a full statement on the incident today and reiterated the need to bring home all remaining hostages. However, he disavowed the timing and execution of the attack:

“I was not happy with every aspect of this attack.”

Israel Strikes Senior Hamas Leaders in Central Doha

In a major escalation of its international campaign against Hamas, Israel conducted a precision strike in Qatar, marking the first known direct attack on Hamas figures on Qatari soil. The operation targeted a meeting of Hamas’s top leadership that was reportedly discussing a U.S.-backed hostage deal.

According to initial assessments, Khalil al-Hayya was killed, along with other senior figures, including West Bank commander Zaher Jabarin. Several Hamas members are believed to have been injured or eliminated. Qatari security personnel were also among the casualties, according to Doha officials.

Military Brass Opposed the Timing 

The Israeli security establishment was reportedly deeply divided over the operation.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, along with senior military and intelligence officials, opposed the strike at this time, citing the fragile state of ongoing hostage negotiations. They feared the operation could collapse the emerging U.S. deal.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz gave the green light, reportedly swayed by Acting Shin Bet chief "S.", who supported the operation due to a rare operational opportunity and a positive signal from the U.S. indicating non-opposition.

White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt condemned the strike’s implications while acknowledging Israel’s broader goals:

“A unilateral bombing of Qatar — a sovereign state and a close U.S. ally — does not advance the goals of Israel or America.”

However, she added:

“The elimination of Hamas is a worthy goal.”

U.S. officials confirmed that Trump had informed Qatar via Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, but only after the attack was already underway. Qatari officials vehemently denied receiving any advance warning, stating they were only contacted after explosions were heard in Doha.

Qatar Responds: Mediation Suspended

In a sharp diplomatic rebuke, Qatar announced it is suspending its role as mediator in the Israel-Hamas hostage negotiations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari issued a strongly worded statement:

“This attack is a flagrant violation of international law and a grave threat to the safety and security of the people of Qatar. We will not tolerate Israel’s reckless behavior.”

The Qatari government has also launched a formal investigation into the strike.

Hamas: “Trap Under Guise of Negotiations”

Hamas has accused both Israel and the United States of using the American-backed hostage proposal as bait to lure senior leaders into one location for the strike.

A Hamas source told Arab media:

“The so-called American initiative was merely a pretext to gather our people in one place for a strike.”

Whether this claim is part of a post-factum narrative or based on real suspicions remains unclear.

Strategic Shift: Israel Crosses a New Line

While Israel has conducted assassinations in Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, this is the first known attack on Qatari soil — a country with which Israel has no formal diplomatic relations, but which has long played a key role in mediating with Hamas.

The strike represents a significant policy shift and a willingness to break taboos amid the post-October 7 landscape.

A senior Israeli official said the operation was retaliation for a terror attack in Jerusalem two days prior that killed six civilians.

Domestic Fallout: Hostage Families Voice Outrage

The strike has widened the growing rift between Israel's military leadership and political echelon. While Netanyahu continues to push for military escalation, voices within the IDF — and among hostage families — warn that the operation endangers hostages still held by Hamas.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, Israel’s former hostage affairs coordinator, previously warned that aggressive military operations risk provoking executions or preventing successful deals.

Einav Tsengaukar, the mother of one hostage, said:

“Our children's lives are hanging in the balance. Every move on the battlefield now puts them in greater danger — whether from IDF fire or Hamas revenge.”

Though Israel claimed full responsibility, lingering questions remain over American foreknowledge and Qatari involvement.

Trump’s claim that Qatar was notified contradicts Doha’s version of events. Speculation is mounting over whether Hamas received a warning and why some leaders still attended the meeting.

Further investigation may shed light on whether the strike was a carefully orchestrated success — or a partially compromised mission.

 Tactical Success, Strategic Gamble

The Doha strike marks a clear tactical win for Israeli intelligence. But the broader implications may be far more complex: a suspended hostage deal, diplomatic crisis with Qatar, and new tensions with the U.S., despite Trump’s historic support for Israel.

Whether this operation will bring greater pressure on Hamas or deepen the regional quagmire remains to be seen.