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NEW YORK: The UN Security Council on Thursday condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Doha, expressing “deep regret” over the loss of civilian life in the attack on “the territory of a key mediator” in ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza.
In a statement released after closed consultations, the 15-member Security Council voiced solidarity with Qatar, reaffirming support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the UN Charter.
Council members also underscored the need for de-escalation and emphasized the critical role Qatar plays in regional mediation, particularly alongside Egypt and the US.
“The Council recalled its support for the vital role that Qatar continues to play in mediation efforts in the region,” the statement read, adding that the release of hostages, including those killed by Hamas, and ending the suffering in Gaza “must remain our top priority.”
The statement comes two days after a series of strikes hit the Qatari capital on Sept. 9 in a rare, alarming escalation beyond the immediate conflict zone. The strikes have been widely condemned by international actors, with fears they could derail fragile diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire.
Qatar has been at the center of international mediation since the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out nearly two years ago. The Gulf nation has hosted indirect talks between Israeli and Hamas officials and has worked closely with Cairo and Washington to try to secure a durable truce.
The Security Council urged all parties to “seize the opportunity for peace” and reiterated its backing for continued diplomatic engagement to end the conflict.
The attack marks the first direct strike on Qatari soil by Israel since the start of the current conflict in Gaza, which has left more than 60,000 people dead and many thousands more injured, facing famine and displaced in the coastal enclave.