HRC60: Broad International, UN Solidarity with Qatar at HRC Debate on Israeli Attack on Doha

English , Qatar - قطر , / Wednesday, September 17th, 2025

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Geneva, September 16 (QNA) – United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned the Israeli military attack on Qatar on September 9, calling it a shocking breach of international law, an assault on regional peace, and a blow to global mediation efforts.
Speaking at the Human Rights Council’s 60th session emergency debate in Geneva, Turk stressed that targeting Qatar, a recognized mediator, undermines its central peace role, adding that civilians uninvolved in hostilities must never be targeted. He warned that ignoring the rules of war erodes civilian protection everywhere and noted that the attack coincided with Israel’s displacement order for nearly one million people in Gaza. He highlighted that Hamas representatives were in Doha negotiating a ceasefire, which he called a vital step toward peace.
Dr. Jovana Ranito, on behalf of the HRC Coordination Committee of Special Procedures, affirmed that the attack violated the UN Charter, echoing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ condemnation. She stressed that Israel’s assault breached Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, violated the right to life, and destabilized the region, especially as Qatar, Egypt, and the United States were working to broker a ceasefire and hostage release.
The debate recorded broad solidarity with Qatar. Five regional groups – the GCC, OIC, Arab Group, European Union, and African Group – condemned the aggression. South Africa delivered a joint statement on behalf of 78 countries, while 86 nations and 12 NGOs issued national and organizational statements.
Many delegations called for accountability, urging the HRC to act urgently, investigate violations, and ensure perpetrators face justice. They underscored the need for Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and UN resolutions, and to protect mediating states that play critical roles in global peace and security.