UNSC Unites Against Israel’s Doha Strike as Russia, Gulf States Warn of Escalation
The United Nations Security Council has issued a rare joint press statement condemning Israel’s September 9 strike on Doha, describing it as an attack on “the territory of a key mediator” and expressing “deep regret at the loss of civilian life.”
The move required consensus from all 15 members -- including the United States, which has historically resisted criticism on the issue at the Council.
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| Qatar's Emir leads funeral prayers for victims of Israeli attack in Doha. Via KhaleejTimes |
Members also stated support for the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, calling for the release of hostages and stressing that ending the Gaza war must remain the “top priority.”
Russia: “Reckless actions provoke a spiral of violence”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called the Doha strike “a gross violation of international law” and “an encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an independent state,” warning it risked “further destabilization of the Middle East.”
Moscow’s UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya told the emergency session: “We call upon West Jerusalem to refrain from reckless aggressive actions that provoke the spiral of violence in the region. Washington’s so-called quiet diplomacy has proven ineffective and fraught with new explosions.”
Qatar: “Have you heard of any State attacking the mediator?”
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani said the attack struck a residential compound housing negotiating teams and their families.
“Israel -- led by bloodthirsty extremists -- has gone beyond any borders, any limitation when it comes to behaviour among States and individuals,” he told the Council.
“Have you heard of any State that is attacking the mediator this way? A State that is attacking the negotiating teams that are hosted by Qatar?”
He compared the situation to the Taliban’s political bureau in Doha, which had enabled U.S.–Taliban peace talks.
“The United States has never targeted the negotiators,” he said, warning that Israel was undermining peace and destabilizing the region.
Israel: “There is no sanctuary for terrorists”
Israel defended the strike, insisting it targeted Hamas figures “who are not legitimate politicians, diplomats or representatives.”
🇮🇱 Netanyahu calls out the world’s hypocrisy:
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) September 11, 2025
You applauded America for killing Bin Laden but condemned Israel for killing Hamas leaders in Qatar.
The double standard is obscene.
Message to Doha is clear: stop harboring terrorists, bring them to justice or we will.
📹 Watch… pic.twitter.com/KniifCsyzX
Its envoy told the Council: “They are the masterminds of the October 7 massacre. Just days ago, Hamas terrorists opened fire on a bus stop crowded with children and adults.
Six innocent people were murdered. There is no sanctuary for terrorists, not in Gaza, not in Tehran, not in Doha. There is no immunity for terrorists. History will not be kind to accomplices.”
Gulf and Global Condemnation
The UAE’s representative called the strike “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and the Gulf’s security,” warning it was “an irresponsible escalation that threatens regional stability and international peace.”
Sierra Leone described the killing of mediators as “a war crime,” while Algeria said Israel “behaves as if law does not exist, as if borders are illusions.”
France reaffirmed support for the two-State solution, calling Israel’s action “a violation of international law.”
The UK envoy said: “We wholly condemn the strikes on Qatar which will do nothing to deliver peace in the Middle East, or to help safeguard Israel’s long-term security.”
Denmark urged restraint and dialogue, while Pakistan called the strike “a deliberate attempt to sabotage diplomacy.”
China’s representative said the attack amounted to “deliberate sabotage of negotiations,” given it occurred days after the U.S. floated a new ceasefire proposal.
Even the United States, while stopping short of outright condemnation, said unilateral bombing “does not advance Israel’s or our goals.”
The U.S. delegate stressed, however, that eliminating Hamas remained “a worthy goal” and urged Hamas to release hostages “immediately.”
The attack and its fallout
According to Qatar’s Interior Ministry, the strike killed one Qatari security officer and injured several others. Hamas confirmed six deaths, including the son of senior Gaza leader Khalil al-Hayya, while denying reports that its political bureau members were killed.
Al Jazeera reported the attack targeted a Hamas meeting where a U.S. ceasefire proposal was under discussion.
UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo called the strike “an alarming escalation,” noting that it targeted individuals “reportedly gathered to discuss the latest United States proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.”
With mediation efforts now shaken, Lavrov warned that Israeli actions “deserve the strongest condemnation.” Qatar vowed not to abandon its role as mediator.
“We call for peace, not war, and we will not be deterred by those who call for destruction,” al-Thani said.