United Nations - The United States has joined a United Nations Security Council statement expressing concern over recent Israeli strikes in Qatar, a move signaling a shift in the US position regarding criticism of its ally. The statement, approved by all 15 members, does not directly name Israel as the aggressor but acknowledges the gravity of the situation and calls for de-escalation.
the move comes after Israel defended the April 19th attack, asserting it targeted Hamas operatives in Doha, stating, “This strike sends a message that should echo across this chamber. Ther is no sanctuary for terrorists, not in Gaza, not in Tehran, not in Doha.” The strikes killed five members of Hamas’ negotiating team, including the son of Khalil al-hayya, a key negotiator, and a Qatari security officer. Hamas confirmed its team survived but sustained casualties.
Pakistan’s ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad voiced strong criticism,stating,”it is evident that Israel,the occupying power,is bent on doing everything to undermine and blow up every possibility of peace.” Algeria’s ambassador Amar Bendjama lamented the Security Council’s limitations, noting it was “unable even to name the aggressor, to qualify aggression as a violation of international law.”
The US decision to allow the statement to pass is notable given its longstanding practice of blocking resolutions critical of Israel. However, President Donald Trump earlier criticized the strikes, stating that unilaterally striking inside Qatar “does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” while together suggesting the incident “could serve as an prospect for PEACE” and reiterating the elimination of Hamas as a “worthy goal.”
The strikes on Doha have raised concerns among regional allies,especially given Qatar’s close relationship with the US. Qatar and the US recently signed a “historic” economic agreement valued at $1.2 trillion (£890bn), and Qatar gifted Trump a $400m plane intended to become the new Air Force One.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also summoned the Israeli deputy ambassador to protest the Doha strike and remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu. The UAE normalized relations with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords – a US-brokered agreement also signed by Morocco, Bahrain, and Sudan – considered a key foreign policy achievement of the Trump governance.
