The Security Council on Thursday heard from the UN's top political affairs official on Israel's deadly airstrike in Doha - an "alarming escalation" condemned as a violation of sovereignty that threatens ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations in Gaza.
Rosemary DiCarlo described Tuesday's strike in a residential area of the Qatari capital - which targeted Hamas's political leadership killing several affiliates along with a Qatari security officer - as potentially opening a "new and perilous chapter in this devastating conflict, seriously threatening regional peace and stability."
The attack occurred on 9 September in residential compounds reportedly housing members of the Hamas' political bureau, including the son of its chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya.
While Hamas leaders survived, the organization said, the incident disrupted ongoing negotiations over a US-mediated ceasefire and hostage release agreement to end the war in Gaza.
Respect sovereignty
"The sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country, including Qatar - a valued partner in advancing peacemaking and conflict resolution - must be respected," Ms. DiCarlo told ambassadors.
She urged all parties to exercise restraint and reaffirmed the need to preserve negotiation and mediation channels to prevent further suffering in Gaza and the wider region.
Israel claimed responsibility for the strike, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing it as "a wholly independent operation" following a deadly attack on civilians in Jerusalem on 8 September, which Hamas said it carried out.
Qatar, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the League of Arab States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the action and expressed concern over further escalation.
Confidence undermined
Ms. DiCarlo told ambassadors that Israel's strike came "at the height of ongoing consultations."
"Any action that undermines the work of mediation and dialogue weakens confidence in the very mechanisms we depend on for conflict resolution," she said, stressing that durable solutions in the Middle East cannot be achieved through further violence.
She called for renewed commitment to diplomacy, warning that the urgency of a ceasefire and hostage release has never been greater.
"I call on all stakeholders to exercise utmost restraint at this sensitive time and recommit to diplomacy. The urgency of a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza has never been greater. Strike a deal. Free the hostages. End the suffering of the people of Gaza."
Gaza crisis spiralling
Meanwhile, the humanitarian and security situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank remains critical.
Since the conflict in Gaza erupted in October 2023 - following attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on communities in southern Israel, tens of thousands have died - mostly civilians - infrastructure and basic services are largely destroyed, and the enclave lies in ruins while a new offensive to take Gaza City is ongoing.
Security Council press statement
Ahead of Thursday's session, the Security Council issued a press statement expressing condemnation of the strikes in Doha and deep regret over the loss of civilian life.
The statement reaffirmed support for Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity and acknowledges the country's key role in mediation efforts to end the devastating war, alongside Egypt and the United States.
It emphasised that releasing hostages - including those killed by Hamas - ending hostilities, and ensuring civilian protection in Gaza, remain the Council's highest priorities.
It also on all parties to seize ongoing diplomatic opportunities for peace.
