Tensions Rise: U.S. and Israel at Odds Over Qatar Strike

U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that the decision to strike Qatar was taken solely by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump emphasized that an attack of this nature does not align with American or Israeli interests, pointing out its potential to exacerbate Middle East tensions.

The airstrike targeted political leaders of Hamas in Qatar's capital, Doha, drawing widespread condemnation from regional and international communities. Controversy arose as Trump claimed his directive for a U.S. envoy to warn Qatar came too late; yet Qatar refuted the White House's version, asserting they received no forewarning.

Trump reassured Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, post-strike that similar incidents would not recur. He stated his disappointment with Israel's actions, stressing the focus should remain on retrieving hostages. Concurrently, protests erupted in Washington, echoing anti-genocide sentiments as regional instability heightened amidst ongoing conflict.