United States has stated this Tuesday, taking a back seat, that they were not aware of the Israeli attack in Doha against the Hamas negotiating leadership. They say they did not approve or participate in the operation and affirm that bombing an "ally nation that works hard and bravely takes risks with us to negotiate peace does not contribute to the goals of Israel or the United States." However, the White House spokesperson stated on Tuesday, reading a statement from the president, that, "eliminating Hamas, which has benefited from the misery of those living in Gaza, is a commendable goal".
One step forward, several steps back. Trump's team has insisted on several occasions that "this morning the Government was notified by the U.S. military" of the attack, a way of saying they were not aware it was going to happen, despite the United States having a nearby military base. The statement contradicts what numerous sources have been indicating to local media throughout the day, suggesting that Israeldid indeed give a warning and that something of this magnitude is unimaginable without prior notification, even if it was already too late to stop it.
In fact, the chosen wording by the Executive is jarring. They do not say that Israel did not warn, but that the president and his Government were alerted by the Army. What is not explained is how and when the military commanders found out, and the likely answer is that it was through a message from their colleagues.
Trump remains consistent in his approach. He seems concerned about relations with Qatar and the Gulf Countries, with which the United States has good relations and wants to do business. But he does not seem worried or interested in what it means for peace negotiations. On the contrary. In the Arab world, the prevailing view is that the peace offer that Washington put on the table could have been a trap to lure Hamas negotiators. With much cynicism, the White House statement says that "Hamas unfortunately was in a zone in Doha", even though their diplomats are in contact with Trump's envoys through Qatari mediators and were there as part of the process that Trump claims to sponsor.
"President Trump immediately ordered Special Envoy Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the imminent attack, which he did. The president considers Qatar a strong ally and friend of the United States, and he feels very sorry about the location of this attack. President Trump wants all hostages in Gaza and the bodies of the dead to be released and for this war to end immediately. President Trump also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu after the attack. The Prime Minister informed President Trump of his desire to achieve peace, promptly. President Trump believes that this regrettable incident could be an opportunity and also spoke with the Emir and Prime Minister of Qatar, thanking them for their support and friendship towards our country. He assured them that something like this will not happen again on their territory," the statement says.
Qatar has quickly reacted from Doha to say that Witkoff's call was of no use. "The claims circulating that Qatar was informed of the attack in advance are false. The call received from a U.S. official occurred during the sound of the explosions resulting from the Israeli attack in Doha," they pointed out with some irritation.
The White House has not deviated from these ideas for the moment. No comments on whether there is anger with Netanyahu, on whether they believe this breaks off peace negotiations forever. Nothing. Faith that the Israeli Prime Minister wants "peace and wants it quickly," despite having tried to eliminate their counterparts in those conversations.