Since the attack by Hamas on Oct 7, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent retaliation, the Security Council has been largely paralysed on the issue due to repeated vetoes by the US and other member states.
But US President Donald Trump, despite his support of Israel, said he was “not thrilled” with the attack on Tuesday in Doha, which targeted a residential complex hosting Hamas officials in the core of the city.
At a Security Council meeting on the strikes later Thursday, acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea told the body: “Unilateral bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation working very hard and bravely taking risks alongside the US to broker peace, does not advance Israel’s or America’s goals.”
“That said, it is inappropriate for any member to use this to question Israel’s commitment to bringing their hostages home,” Shea continued.
“Eliminating Hamas, which has profited off of the misery of those living in Gaza, is a worthy goal,” she said, calling the strikes “unfortunate” but adding that “President Trump believes it could serve as an opportunity for peace”.
UN Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo expressed concern that the strikes represented an “alarming escalation”.
“The Israeli attack on Doha potentially opens a new and perilous chapter in this devastating conflict, seriously threatening regional peace and stability,” she said.
