UN Condemns Strike on Doha as Netanyahu Vows No Palestinian State

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday issued a rare unified statement condemning the strikes on Doha, Qatar’s capital, that targeted Hamas political leaders. Notably, the text did not explicitly mention Israel, reflecting a consensus among all 15 members, including the United States.

According to the statement, “Council members underscored the importance of de-escalation and expressed their solidarity with Qatar. They underlined their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar.” Britain and France jointly drafted the text, which was adopted by consensus.

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon defended the operation, telling the council, “This strike sends a message that should echo across this chamber. There is no sanctuary for terrorists… We will act against the leaders of terror wherever they are hiding.” The United States, traditionally shielding its ally, backed the statement to signal President Trump’s displeasure with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unilateral action.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani criticized the timing, saying the attack “shows extremists that rule Israel today do not care about the hostages. This is not a priority.” Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad accused Israel of undermining peace, while Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea called it “inappropriate” to question Israel’s commitment to freeing hostages.

UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo warned the strike was “an alarming escalation,” especially since it hit leaders gathered to discuss a US proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. The council emphasized that releasing hostages and ending the Gaza war must remain top priorities.

Netanyahu’s ‘No Palestinian State’ Pledge

On the same day, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared at a signing ceremony in the occupied West Bank that “there will be no Palestinian state — this place belongs to us.” The event in Maale Adumim focused on plans to expand the nearby E1 settlement with some 3,400 new homes.

The E1 project, long opposed by many countries and the UN, sits on a strategic 12-square-kilometer tract linking Jerusalem to Maale Adumim. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the development could “cleave the West Bank in two,” threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state.

Western governments such as Britain and France have indicated they may recognize a State of Palestine at the UN later this month if a ceasefire in Gaza is not secured, underscoring the high stakes of stalled peace negotiations.

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UN Security Council condemns Doha strike, avoids reference to Israel

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