New Delhi, Sept. 10 -- The White House said Israel's unilateral attack on Hamas in Qatar did not further Israeli or American goals of ending the Middle East conflict.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday: "The President views Qatar as a strong ally and friend of the United States, and feels very badly about the location of this attack."

Leavitt added that President Donald Trump had spoken with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar's emir and prime minister following the strike.

While emphasising concern over the location of the strike, Leavitt noted that: "Eliminating Hamas, who have profited off the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal."

She also outlined Trump's priori...