The UN Security Council has issued a rare joint condemnation of Israeli airstrikes on a residential compound in Doha, Qatar, where senior Hamas officials were targeted. The statement, endorsed unanimously by all 15 council members—including the United States—called for de-escalation and expressed solidarity with Qatar.
The move was significant, as Washington has historically blocked measures perceived as critical of Israel. The text, drafted by the UK and France, avoided directly naming Israel, but its intent was clear. Israel, however, defended the attack, insisting that no location should be considered a safe haven for Hamas leaders.
Qatar, which has played a pivotal role in mediating between Israel and Hamas during the Gaza conflict, requested the emergency meeting alongside Algeria, Pakistan, and Somalia. Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani personally attended the session, describing the strike as a test for the international community and questioning how Qatar could host Israeli representatives after such actions.
Representatives from Pakistan and Algeria criticized Israel’s conduct, arguing that its military actions undermined peace and violated international law. Israel’s envoy Danny Danon responded that the strike was a clear warning that “there is no sanctuary for terrorists.”
The US backing of the statement was especially notable. President Donald Trump, while acknowledging Hamas as a legitimate threat, criticized the unilateral strike inside Qatar as counterproductive to American and Israeli interests. He suggested the crisis might still present “an opportunity for peace.”
The strikes also carried wider diplomatic fallout. The UAE summoned Israel’s deputy ambassador over both the attack and comments from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them hostile and unacceptable. The incident has rattled Gulf states, many of which had deepened ties with Israel after the 2020 Abraham Accords.
Hamas confirmed that its negotiators survived the Doha strike, though five members, including the son of chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, were killed along with a Qatari security officer.
