UN rights chief condemns Israeli strike in Doha as assault on regional stability
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At least five Hamas members were killed in Israel’s Sept 9 air strike in Doha.
PHOTO: REUTERS
GENEVA – Israel undermined regional peace and stability in its attack on Sept 9 on Hamas leaders
“Israel’s strike on negotiators in Doha on 9 September was a shocking breach of international law, an assault on regional peace and stability, and a blow against the integrity of mediation and negotiating processes around the world,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told delegates.
The air strike, which Hamas says killed five of its members but not its leadership, has prompted US-allied Gulf Arab states to close ranks, adding to strains in ties between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, which normalised relations in 2020.
Israel’s ambassador in Geneva, speaking to reporters before the session – which Israel did not attend – called the debate a one-sided attack on Israel.
“This marks yet another shameful chapter in the Human Rights Council’s ongoing abuse serving as a platform for anti-Israel propaganda, while ignoring the brutal realities on the ground and the atrocities committed by Hamas,” Mr Daniel Meron said.
Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Ms Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, said the Israeli strike on Doha amounted to “state terrorism” and a direct threat to regional stability, urging council members to hold Israel accountable.
Algeria and Pakistan joined Qatar in condemning Israel, accusing it of multiple violations of international law, and of undermining the mediation process. The European Union expressed its solidarity with Qatar.
Mr Turk said the strike risked undermining negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza’s nearly two-year-old war.
Separately, a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded on Sept 16 that Israel has committed genocide
