Gaza Talks Collapse as Qatar Calls U.S. Claim 'Baseless'

In a dramatic twist, Qatar has publicly rejected White House claims that Donald Trump warned them in advance about Israel's bombing of Doha, insisting they only learned of the strike as it unfolded. The fallout has deepened with Hamas leaders surviving the attack and Qatar pulling out of its mediator role in ceasefire talks - a humiliating setback for Trump, Netanyahu, and U.S. credibility in the region. As Rifat Jawaid reports for Janta Ka Reporter, it is also a tragic day for the people of Gaza and the families of the hostages.

White House Statement on the Strike

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt attempted to justify Israel's bombing of Doha, claiming the attack targeted Hamas leaders who were meeting there.

• The statement emphasized that while Qatar is a U.S. ally, Hamas's presence in Doha made the strike a "worthy" action.

• President Trump reportedly notified Qatar in advance through envoy Steve Witkoff and expressed regret about the location of the attack.

• The U.S. position attempted to frame the strike as both a necessary military action and an opportunity for peace.

Accusations of Betrayal and Hypocrisy

Critics argue that Trump's justification reveals hypocrisy:

• The U.S. condemned the violation of a sovereign ally's territory while simultaneously enabling the attack.

• The suggestion that Arab and Muslim allies can be bombed with impunity reflects double standards rooted in racism and imperial politics.

• The move undermined U.S. credibility in claiming to support peace and hostage negotiations.

Qatar's Response: Exposing the False Narrative

Dr. Majid Al-Ansari, adviser to the Qatari Prime Minister, denied that Qatar had been informed of the strike in advance.

• According to Al-Ansari, Qatar only received a call from U.S. officials during the bombing itself.

• This directly contradicts Trump's narrative and highlights deception at the highest level.

• The controversy also strained Qatar's previous close ties with U.S. officials like Steve Witkoff.

The Failed Assassination of Hamas Leaders

Despite the strike, Hamas leadership survived.

• Only a bodyguard and the son of a senior Hamas leader were killed.

• Hamas publicly declared the survival of its top officials, framing the attack as a military failure.

• Qatar, angered by the violation of its sovereignty, announced it would suspend its mediation role in peace negotiations.

Reactions from International Media

BBC reporters described the incident as a major setback for U.S. diplomacy:

• Jeremy Bowen called it a "slap in the face" for America, leaving its diplomatic efforts "tattered and tarnished."

• Observers noted that Netanyahu never intended to pursue peace, instead seeking to prolong the war.

• The incident revealed the futility of U.S. peace rhetoric when aligned so closely with Israeli military aggression.

Broader Implications

The fallout underscores several points:

• U.S. credibility as a mediator in the Middle East has been severely damaged.

• Qatar's withdrawal from peace negotiations eliminates a key channel for dialogue.

• The attack exposed Trump and Netanyahu's priorities-territorial expansion and military dominance-over genuine concern for hostages or civilians.

Conclusion

The Doha bombing and its aftermath represent a diplomatic disaster for both Trump and Netanyahu. Rather than advancing peace, the strike deepened mistrust, alienated allies, and highlighted the contradictions in U.S. foreign policy. For critics, it serves as a clear example of the destructive consequences of aligning with authoritarian and settler-colonial policies in the region.