On Tuesday morning, the U.S. military spotted Israeli jets flying east toward the Gulf. The U.S. sought clarification, but by the time Israel provided it missiles were already in the air, three U.S. officials say. • Their target was a meeting of Hamas leadership in the Qatari capital, Doha.

Behind the scenes: The news stunned the White House and infuriated some of Trump's top advisers because it came as the U.S. was waiting for Hamas to respond to President Trump's new proposal for peace in Gaza. • In fact, the Hamas officials were meeting to discuss that proposal. The White House expected to receive Hamas' response by the end of the week. • Qatar became the seventh country Israel has bombed since Oct. 7, 2023.

How it happened: Once President Trump was briefed on the imminent strik

See Full Page