US Joins UN Security Council in Condemnation of Israeli Strikes on Qatar

The United Nations Security Council has issued a condemnation of Israel’s recent strikes on a residential compound in Doha, Qatar, aimed at senior members of Hamas. While the statement did not explicitly name Israel, it received unanimous support from all 15 Security Council members, including the United States, which has historically blocked actions against its close ally.

In the statement, drafted by the UK and France, council members emphasized the necessity of de-escalation and expressed solidarity with Qatar. Israel, however, defended its decision to carry out the attack.

Qatar has been instrumental in facilitating diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, acting as a mediator in indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel. The country has hosted the Hamas political bureau since 2012 and is a vital US ally, housing a significant American airbase in the desert southwest of Doha.

The emergency meeting was convened at the request of Qatar, Algeria, Pakistan, and Somalia, with Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani traveling to New York to attend. During the meeting, al-Thani stated, “This attack puts the international community to the test. Israel, led by blusterous extremists, has gone beyond any borders, any limitations when it comes to behavior. We are unable to predict what Israel will do. How can we host Israeli representatives when they have committed this attack?”

Pakistan’s Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad remarked that it is evident Israel, as the occupying power, is intent on undermining any possibility for peace. Algeria’s Ambassador Amar Bendjama noted the Security Council’s limitations, stating it was “unable even to name the aggressor or qualify aggression as a violation of international law.”

In defense of the strike, Israel’s representative, Danny Danon, told the council, “This strike sends a message that should echo across this chamber. There is no sanctuary for terrorists, not in Gaza, not in Tehran, not in Doha.”

For a Security Council statement to be issued, all 15 members must agree on the text. The US’s support for this statement, despite Israel not being named, marks a notable departure from its usual stance of blocking critical statements against Israel.

US President Donald Trump earlier criticized Israel’s actions, stating that unilaterally striking inside Qatar “does not advance Israel or America’s goals.” However, he also indicated that this incident could serve as an opportunity for peace, asserting that the elimination of Hamas is a “worthy goal.”

The strikes on Doha have shocked many in the region, as they had long believed that their close relations with the US would provide security. In May, Trump announced a “historic” economic agreement between Qatar and the US, valued at a minimum of $1.2 trillion. Additionally, Qatar recently gifted Trump a $400 million aircraft intended to serve as the new Air Force One.

Hamas reported that its negotiating team survived the Israeli strikes on Doha, although five members were killed, including the son of the group’s chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya. A Qatari security officer was also among the casualties.