UN: During an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council convened at the request of Kuwait on behalf of GCC states and Pakistan representing the OIC, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk strongly condemned the recent Israeli strike on Qatari territory. He described the attack as a “shocking violation of international law, an assault on regional peace and stability, and a blow to the integrity of mediation and negotiation processes around the world.” Türk emphasized that targeting Qatar, internationally recognized for its mediation efforts, undermines established mechanisms for global conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Türk warned that the strike directly contravened international human rights law and humanitarian law, violating the fundamental right to life. He urged the international community to hold accountable those responsible for the attack and to take stronger measures to prevent further violations. The timing of the strike, he noted, coincided with other Israeli actions undermining peace prospects, including the forced displacement of one million residents from Gaza City and the launch of the “East Jerusalem Project.” These moves, according to Türk, further erode the viability of a two-state solution and escalate tensions in the region.
The UN rights chief highlighted that Hamas representatives targeted in Doha were actively engaged in ceasefire negotiations, which represented a critical step toward achieving lasting peace. By attacking these mediators, the strike jeopardizes ongoing diplomatic efforts and diminishes trust in international negotiation processes. Türk underscored the need for all governments to publicly condemn the attack and to take immediate steps to prevent the continuation of hostilities. He called on nations to halt arms exports to Israel, reinforcing the principle that international cooperation is essential in upholding human rights and preventing further escalation.
Türk also stressed the importance of humanitarian measures to address the escalating crisis in Gaza. He called for the immediate release of prisoners and arbitrarily detained individuals, expanded humanitarian access to affected populations, and renewed international support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. By combining diplomatic pressure, accountability measures, and humanitarian assistance, Türk emphasized that the international community could mitigate the effects of the attack and help restore prospects for peace in the region.
