US Supports UN Security Council's Criticism of Israel's Airstrikes in Qatar

Mon Oct 20 2025 03:11:27 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The UN Security Council has condemned Israeli airstrikes on a residential area in Qatar aimed at Hamas members, with notable support from the US, marking a significant diplomatic moment amidst tensions in the region.

The United Nations Security Council condemned the Israeli airstrikes on a Doha residential compound targeting Hamas leaders, with backing from all members including the US. This marks a notable shift as the US usually defends Israel in such matters. Qatar has been a key mediator in the Israel-Gaza conflict, and its Prime Minister criticized Israel's actions as reckless. The meeting highlighted calls for de-escalation and raised concerns about future peace efforts.

The United Nations Security Council has condemned Israel's strikes on a residential compound in the Qatari capital Doha, which targeted senior members of Hamas.

The statement - which did not directly name Israel - was backed by all 15 Security Council members, including the US, which traditionally blocks actions against its close ally.

Council members underscored the importance of de-escalation and expressed their solidarity with Qatar, read the statement, drafted by the UK and France. Israel defended its decision to mount the attack.

Qatar has played a key role in brokering diplomatic efforts to end the Israel-Gaza war, serving as a mediator of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

It has hosted the Hamas political bureau since 2012 and is a close US ally, hosting a large American airbase in the desert south-west of Doha.

The emergency meeting was requested by Qatar, Algeria, Pakistan, and Somalia. Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani travelled to New York to attend.

This attack puts the international community before a test, al-Thani told the council.

Israel, led by blusterous extremists, has gone beyond any borders, any limitations when it comes to behaviour. 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 said: It is evident that Israel, the occupying power, is bent on doing everything to undermine and blow up every possibility of peace.

Israel's representative, Danny Danon, defended the attack, stating, 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 sign off on the text. The US has long-blocked statements critical of Israel - making its backing of this one, though Israel is not named, notable.

US President Donald Trump earlier criticized Israel's strikes, writing that unilaterally striking inside Qatar does not advance Israel or America's goals. Nevertheless, he added that this incident could be an opportunity for peace, highlighting the elimination of Hamas as a worthy goal.

The strikes on Doha shocked many in the region, who assumed that close relations with the US would ensure security. Qatar also recently gifted Trump a $400 million plane to be used as Air Force One.

This incident has fueled discussions in various countries, including the UAE summoning the Israeli ambassador to express discontent over the strike and Netanyahu's remarks. These developments have rekindled conversations about the Abraham Accords and the prospects for future diplomatic ties.