The United Nations has condemned Israeli airstrikes in Doha, Qatar, calling them a dangerous escalation that threatens regional peace and stability.
Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, addressed the Security Council on Tuesday, saying the attack shocked the world as it targeted individuals reportedly gathered to discuss a U.S.-backed ceasefire and hostage release proposal for Gaza.
“The sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country, including Qatar a valued partner in advancing peacemaking and conflict resolution must be respected,” DiCarlo said.
She praised Qatar’s ongoing mediation efforts alongside Egypt and the United States to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.
“We are deeply grateful for Qatar’s steadfast commitment and constructive diplomacy. All parties must act to preserve these efforts,” she added.
The senior UN official lamented that the Israeli strikes came at the height of sensitive consultations with negotiating parties.
“Any action that undermines the work of mediation and dialogue weakens confidence in the very mechanisms the world depends on for conflict resolution,” DiCarlo warned.
She stressed that durable peace in the Middle East would not come through further violence.
“Preserving the integrity of negotiation and mediation channels is crucial for fostering the trust that parties need to engage in meaningful dialogue. It is also vital for safeguarding the norms that underpin diplomacy and peacemaking,” she said.
DiCarlo urged all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and recommit to diplomacy, warning that the urgency of a ceasefire deal in Gaza is greater than ever.
“Strike a deal. Free the hostages. End the suffering of the people of Gaza,” she concluded.
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