Washington: US President Donald Trump has issued a rare rebuke of Israel after it launched a deadly strike against the leadership of Hamas in Doha, the capital of American ally Qatar, amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by the terrorist group.

Israel immediately confirmed it conducted the strikes. “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it and Israel takes full responsibility.”

Israeli media reported the US was given notice of the operation, citing officials. But Trump said his government was told about the strikes by the US military, and rebuked Israel over the “unfortunate” incident.

“This morn

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