The United Nations Security Council last night condemned recent strikes on Qatar’s capital Doha, but did not mention Israel in the statement agreed to by all 15 members, including Israel’s ally the United States.
Israel attempted to kill the political leaders of Hamas with the attack on Tuesday, escalating its military action in what the US described as a unilateral attack that does not advance US and Israeli interests.
The US traditionally shields Israel at the UN.
US backing for the Security Council statement, which could only be approved by consensus, reflects President Donald Trump’s unhappiness with the attack ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Council members underscored the importance of de-escalation and expressed their solidarity with Qatar. They underlined their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar,” read the statement, drafted by Britain and France.
“Council members underscored that releasing the hostages, including those killed by Hamas, and ending the war and suffering in Gaza must remain our top priority,” the Security Council statement read.
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani accused Israel of trying to derail efforts to end the war in Gaza by attacking Hamas leaders in Doha, but pledged to continue its mediation efforts.
“Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to discredit Qatar’s role through flimsy pretexts,” he told the council, adding that Israel has gone beyond the position of bloodthirsty extremists. “Attacking our territories while we were busy with negotiations has uncovered the intention of Israel. It is trying to undermine any prospect of peace. It is trying to perpetuate the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he said.
“It also shows that extremists that rule Israel today do not care about the hostages. This is not a priority.
“The current leaders of Israel are arrogant, and they believe that they enjoy impunity,” he added.
He stressed the need to ‘pursue peace through the establishment of a Palestinian state.’
“We need two states, two people living side by side in peace and this will only be achieved through the adherence to the principles of international law.”
He asserted that Qatar will not hesitate to continue its humanitarian and diplomatic role regarding Gaza, while reserving the right to respond to the Israeli attack.
Jordan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi condemned the brutal and treacherous attack against Doha.
UAE presidential diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash said the attack was a “serious assault” on international law and an “irresponsible escalation that threatens regional stability and international peace and security.
Acting US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea largely repeated Trump’s statement on the attack, telling the council that the strikes do not advance US or Israeli goals, but – “notwithstanding the unfortunate nature of this incident” – it could serve as an opportunity for peace.
Israel’s envoy to the Security Council called on Qatar to denounce Hamas’ practices and expel its members.
Israel had targeted a meeting of Hamas leaders in Doha, resulting in the killing of six people, including the son of senior Hamas leader Khalil Al Hayya, four members of the delegation, and a Qatari internal security officer.
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