ANW – America News World
By ATISH|
Updated: September 10, 2025, 18:45 ET | Washington, DC
In a shocking escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel launched airstrikes on Qatar’s capital, Doha, targeting Hamas leaders during sensitive ceasefire negotiations. The attack, which killed six people including a Qatari security officer, has ignited accusations of betrayal against U.S. President Donald Trump. Coming just months after Qatar gifted Trump a lavish $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet—dubbed his “flying palace”—the incident exposes deep cracks in America’s alliances and Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy.
The strikes occurred Tuesday as Hamas’s political bureau convened in Doha to review a U.S.-proposed Gaza ceasefire. Israel deployed 15 fighter jets, claiming the operation had Trump’s tacit approval. “Unfortunately, it was too late to stop the attack,” Trump remarked dismissively to reporters, echoing a dramatic scene from the Bollywood hit *Pushpa: The Rise*, where a plea for mercy arrives seconds too late.
White House officials insist the U.S. was briefed in advance by Israel. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Trump “immediately directed” special envoy Steve Witkoff to warn Qatar. Yet, Doha vehemently disputes this timeline. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, tweeted that the American call arrived “during the sound of the explosions”—fully 10 minutes after the bombs fell. “This was reckless state terrorism,” Qatar’s Foreign Minister declared, vowing a robust response beyond mere condemnations.
Hamas echoed the outrage, holding the U.S. “jointly responsible” for the “crime.” The group confirmed its top leaders escaped unharmed, but five lower-ranking members perished. The assault derailed fragile peace talks, likely stalling hostage release efforts and freezing negotiations indefinitely. Arab nations, from Iran to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Turkey, united in condemnation—a rare consensus that underscores regional distrust of U.S. mediation.
For Trump, the fallout is personal and political. Qatar, a “major non-NATO ally,” has been pivotal in his Middle East strategy. It hosts the massive Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the region, and facilitated the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation of American citizens. In May 2025, during Trump’s historic Gulf visit—the first by a sitting U.S. president—Qatar inked $243.5 billion in economic deals. The crown jewel: that opulent jet, a symbol of Doha’s courtship. Trump’s son, Eric, even launched a Trump-branded golf course there, deepening family ties.
Qatar’s role extended to diplomacy. Since 2012, under a U.S.-backed arrangement, it has hosted Hamas’s political office, enabling indirect U.S. channels to the group. Doha also maintains ties with Iran, serving as a backdoor for Washington-Tehran communications. Yet, none of this shielded it from Israel’s gamble, which Netanyahu framed as a preemptive strike against Hamas threats.
Trump’s response has been a whirlwind of contradictions, fueling perceptions of a “double game.” Initial comments downplayed the chaos: “It’s not a good situation… we are not thrilled.” On Truth Social, he distanced himself: “The attack decision was not made by me.” In a pointed rebuke—rare for the pro-Israel president—Trump criticized Netanyahu: “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally… does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” He assured Qatar such incidents “would not happen again,” while Netanyahu clarified it was a solo Israeli op, offering diplomatic cover.
Critics see this as too little, too late. British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan tweeted: “The US just signed off on an illegal bombing of its own ally Qatar, from whom Trump just accepted a plane, and where Eric Trump was just opening a golf course?” Geopolitical analyst Dr. Andreas Krieg added: “There is no way Qatar was warned in advance… They would have ensured no casualties.” Social media buzzed with #TrumpBetrayal, amplifying the story’s viral potential.
The betrayal stings especially amid Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize fixation. His “last warning” to Hamas for a Gaza deal expired abruptly, undermining his peacemaker image. Israel’s move, timed post-warning, suggests coordination that erodes U.S. credibility. As one White House insider told The Times of Israel, the advance notice to Washington was clear, but the relay to Doha? Deliberately sluggish, or a fatal misstep?
Broader implications loom. Gulf states, wary of U.S. flip-flops, may pivot toward China or Russia. Qatar’s fury could strain Al Udeid operations, vital for U.S. ops in Iraq, Syria, and beyond. Iran’s opportunistic solidarity with Qatar hints at shifting alliances, complicating Trump’s Iran containment.
India, too, watches closely. New Delhi condemned the strikes, urging renewed peace efforts—a nod to its own balancing act with Israel and Arab partners. Echoing global calls, PM Narendra Modi emphasized dialogue, contrasting Trump’s erratic style.
As fallout ripples, Trump’s team scrambles for damage control. A hurried Qatar visit is rumored, but trust, once shattered, rebuilds slowly. In a region of fragile pacts, this $400 million “gift” now symbolizes a poisoned chalice. For America, the lesson is stark: Allies expect more than rhetoric—they demand reliability.
What does this mean for Gaza?
Hostages remain captive, civilians suffer, and peace feels farther than ever. Trump’s Middle East legacy, built on bold deals, now teeters on betrayal’s edge.
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