ISLAMABAD: Israel has issued a stern warning to both Iran and Qatar, accusing them of harboring Hamas leadership and vowing to act against what it called “sanctuaries for terrorists.”
Speaking at an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, Israeli envoy Danny Danon defended the controversial Israeli airstrike on Doha, claiming it targeted senior Hamas operatives allegedly planning attacks against Israel from “the luxury confines of Doha.”
“These are not diplomats. There is no sanctuary for terrorists, not in Gaza, not in Tehran, not in Doha.”
Qatar: Israel has 'crossed every line'
Earlier, Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, slammed the attack, terming it a “reckless assault on peace” and a direct violation of Qatari sovereignty.
“Israel, led by bloodthirsty extremists, has crossed every line -- attacking mediators is a violation of sovereignty and a reckless assault on peace,” Al Thani declared.
He highlighted a clear difference between the Israeli strike and Qatar's role as a mediator host, similar to how the U.S. negotiated with the Taliban in Doha. “Have you ever seen a country bomb its peace broker?” he asked the Council.
Regional and global backlash
The strike and Israel’s subsequent threats triggered a wave of condemnation.
Pakistan accused Israel of “sabotaging diplomacy to prolong suffering and destroy any hope for peace.”
The United Arab Emirates warned the strike was “a flagrant violation of Qatari sovereignty” and a “reckless, destabilizing move” that threatens regional peace.
Kuwait, speaking for the Gulf Cooperation Council, called the strike “an attack on Gulf security”, warning, “The GCC will respond collectively and decisively to any future violations.”
Algeria said Israel “acts as if laws, borders, and the UN Charter mean nothing,” urging the Council to act “before it’s too late.”
Egypt said that the strike undermined peace efforts and urged the UNSC to pass a Chapter VII resolution to halt Israeli aggression and support mediation.
The US representative underscored that unilateral bombing inside Qatar does not advance Israel’s or her country's goals.
The United Kingdom expressed strong condemnation, stating:
“The Doha strike does nothing for peace or Israel’s long-term security, and Hamas has no place in Gaza’s future.”
UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo described the strike as an “alarming escalation” and condemned the targeting of individuals reportedly involved in ceasefire negotiations.