The United Nations Security Council has issued a rare unified condemnation following Israel’s deadly airstrike on the Qatari capital, Doha. The attack, which targeted Hamas political leaders during a mediation session, killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. Although the Council’s statement drafted by France and the UK stopped short of naming Israel directly, it emphasized solidarity with Qatar and called for de-escalation. The timing of the strike was particularly provocative, as Hamas leaders were reportedly discussing a new ceasefire proposal from President Trump when the attack occurred.
The United States, traditionally Israel’s staunch defender at the UN, backed the statement, signaling a shift in tone. Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea described the bombing as a unilateral move that undermines both American and Israeli interests. While she reiterated support for Israel’s hostage recovery efforts, she made it clear that Washington “cannot and will not defend” the strike on Qatar.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani flew to New York for the emergency session, accusing Israel of deliberately sabotaging peace talks and showing disregard for hostages. He pledged that Qatar would continue its mediation efforts but warned against further violations of its sovereignty.
Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo noted that the U.S. had pushed back against stronger language in the statement, but its support still marked a “highly significant” diplomatic moment. The fallout from this strike has not only strained Israel-Qatar relations but also cast a shadow over ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, where over 200,000 people have fled amid escalating violence.
(source Al Jazeera)
—Agencies
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