Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani is scheduled to meet top US officials in Washington on Friday. The meetings are expected to focus on Israel’s recent attack in Doha and ongoing efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza.
According to official statements, the prime minister will hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House. Reports also indicate meetings with President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Israeli Strike in Doha Sparks Global Condemnation
The attack, carried out earlier this week, targeted Hamas political leaders based in Qatar. The strike marked a major escalation of Israel’s regional military campaign. It triggered immediate international outrage, with many warning of heightened instability in an already volatile Middle East.
On Thursday, the United Nations Security Council condemned the strike on Doha. However, its official statement avoided directly naming Israel, despite unanimous agreement among all 15 members, including the United States.
The strike has intensified concerns about regional escalation, especially given Qatar’s crucial role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas.
Qatar’s Role in Gaza Mediation
Qatar has long been a central diplomatic actor in negotiations over Gaza. The Gulf state has sought to secure a ceasefire, mediate the release of Israeli hostages, and propose frameworks for Gaza’s post-war governance.
Washington views Qatar as a key regional partner, especially in ongoing negotiations involving the conflict in Gaza. This adds significant weight to the prime minister’s discussions with US leadership.
Trump Criticizes Israeli Decision
Former US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s decision to strike Doha. He stated that the move was made solely by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing that it does not align with US or Israeli long-term interests.
Trump previously vowed to end the war in Gaza after taking office in January. His administration oversaw a short ceasefire that lasted two months before collapsing in March. That breakdown followed Israeli strikes that killed hundreds of Palestinians in a single day.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Intensifies
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has left devastating humanitarian consequences. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed. The entire population of Gaza has been displaced, while widespread famine has taken hold.
Recent images of starving children and families have drawn sharp criticism of Israel’s actions. Human rights experts and global scholars increasingly argue that the assault amounts to genocide.
Israel defends its military operations as acts of self-defense, citing Hamas’s attack in October 2023 that killed 1,200 Israelis and left more than 250 people taken hostage. Beyond Gaza, Israel has also carried out strikes in Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Yemen during this war.
The meetings in Washington are expected to address both the immediate fallout from Israel’s strike in Doha and broader strategies for peace in Gaza. Qatar’s role as a mediator remains vital, and US support for its diplomatic efforts could prove decisive in the coming weeks.
