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U.N. Security Council members on Thursday condemned Israeli airstrikes in Qatar that killed six people, including Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, calling the attack a violation of sovereignty while urging all parties to "seize the opportunity for peace."
"The members of the Security Council expressed their condemnation of the recent strikes in Doha, the territory of a key mediator, on Sept. 9," the council said in a statement that conveyed "deep regret at the loss of civilian life."
The statement notably avoided directly naming Israel as the perpetrator of the Monday attack, which targeted Hamas' negotiation team in the Qatari capital.
Five Hamas members, including the son of Hamas Political Bureau member Khalil al-Hayya, and one Qatari police officer were killed in the airstrike.
During Thursday's Security Council meeting on "The Situation in the Middle East," Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned the Israeli attack as "treacherous targeting" that threatens regional peace and security.
"The attack on Qatar represents a violation of a state's sovereignty by a radical government and puts the international community to a major test," Al Thani told the Council.
He said Israeli leaders are in a state of "arrogance and power intoxication" due to the "immunity guarantee" given to them.
Al Thani affirmed that Qatar would continue its humanitarian and diplomatic role "without hesitation," would not tolerate violations of its sovereignty, and reserved its right to a legitimate response.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi accused the Israeli government of being "a rogue administration stained with the blood of innocents."
"Israel is a structure based on extremism and hatred, disregarding international law, seeing itself above the law, based on oppression to impose a racist ideology and achieve expansionist goals, threatening peace and security in the region and the world," Safadi said.
He called for immediate international action: "The time has come for the international community to act immediately and effectively to curb Israel's arrogance and protect the entire region from its catastrophic actions."
United Arab Emirates Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargash described the attack as "a clear violation of Qatar's sovereignty and the security of Gulf countries."
"Israel's reckless aggression toward Qatar will not bring it peace," Gargash said, adding that the attack "undermines the chance to end the war and achieve peace."
Türkiye's U.N. Permanent Representative Ahmet Yildiz, speaking as chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) New York Group, condemned what he called a "despicable and unjust attack."
"There is no doubt that this despicable act constitutes not only an extreme threat to the security of the Middle East region and international peace and security, but also a clear violation of international law norms and the UN Charter," Yildiz said.
"The attack actually represents state terrorism and is part of Israel's systematic policies and ongoing efforts to destabilize the region," he noted.
Yildiz called on the Security Council to hold Israel accountable for the aggressive action, stating: "This action poses a clear threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we call on the Security Council to hold Israel accountable for this aggressive act."
The meeting witnessed a heated exchange between Pakistan and Israel after Israeli U.N. Permanent Representative Danny Danon compared Israel's Doha attack to the U.S. operation against al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and implied Pakistan harbored terrorism.
Pakistan's U.N. Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad responded forcefully: "It is unacceptable, even ridiculous, for Israel, the aggressor and occupier who constantly violates the U.N. Charter and international law, to abuse this council, disrespect the sanctity of this council, and accuse others with baseless claims that essentially aim to mask its own illegal actions and violations of international law."
Ahmad emphasized Pakistan's role in fighting al-Qaeda and rejected what he called implications from "an irresponsible rogue state that is the perpetrator of the worst kind of state terrorism we have witnessed for decades in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories."
Danon later reiterated his claim, stating: "Maybe you were uncomfortable with my speech. I apologize, but I take care to stick to facts in my speech. The fact is that Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan and no one condemned the U.S."
The Security Council statement emphasized support for Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity, recalling "their support for the vital role that Qatar continues to play in mediation efforts in the region, and alongside Egypt and the United States."
"Council members underscored the importance of de-escalation and expressed their solidarity with Qatar," the statement said, reiterating that releasing all hostages in Gaza and ending suffering in the enclave remains a "top priority" for the council's agenda.
"In this regard, they reiterated the importance of the ongoing diplomatic efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the U.S., and called for the parties to seize the opportunity for peace," the statement concluded.
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