The United Nations Security Council on Thursday unanimously condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Qatar’s capital, Doha, marking a moment of international solidarity with the Gulf nation.

The statement, drafted by Britain and France and supported by all 15 Council members—including the United States—stressed respect for Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for immediate de-escalation.

“Council members underscored the importance of de-escalation and expressed their solidarity with Qatar,” the statement read, making clear that the attack on Doha was the impetus for the rare show of unity.

Although the statement stopped short of explicitly naming “Israel,” the language and timing of the resolution left little doubt that the condemnation was directed at Tel Aviv’s recent aggression targeting Hamas officials in Doha.

In a notable departure from its typical stance, the United States backed the Security Council’s statement, signaling its unease with Israel’s unilateral escalation. According to diplomatic sources, President Donald Trump expressed frustration over the timing of the strike, reportedly ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it “a unilateral move that does not advance US or Israeli interests.”

Analysts say Washington’s support for the condemnation reflects a growing recognition of Qatar’s critical role in ongoing ceasefire negotiations and the risk posed by reckless military actions that could derail peace efforts.

The attack on Doha has raised alarm across the region and the world, as Qatar remains one of the few nations capable of mediating between Hamas and international stakeholders in efforts to halt the devastating war on Gaza.

By targeting Hamas officials in Doha, Israel not only violated Qatar’s sovereignty but also jeopardized months of painstaking diplomatic progress.

“Council members underscored that releasing the hostages, including those killed by Hamas, and ending the war and suffering in Gaza must remain our top priority,” the statement emphasized, highlighting the urgency of continued negotiations.

The Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session later on Thursday, during which Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will address the chamber. His speech is expected to call for stronger international protections for Qatar’s territory and stricter accountability measures against future violations.

Qatar has refrained from any retaliatory response, instead choosing the diplomatic path by bringing the matter before the world’s highest international security body. Doha is expected to press for assurances that its role as a neutral mediator will be safeguarded from future acts of aggression.

Observers warn that attacks on a neutral state hosting crucial ceasefire talks could set a dangerous precedent, potentially widening the conflict. Qatar’s careful diplomacy has been instrumental in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza and mediating prisoner exchanges—efforts that now hang in the balance.

The Security Council’s unanimous condemnation is seen as a moral and diplomatic victory for Qatar, reaffirming the international community’s support for its sovereignty at a critical moment. (ILKHA)