UN Security Council Voices Support for Qatar Amid Rising Tensions
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has expressed strong support for Qatar following recent strikes that targeted Doha, a key mediator in the Gaza peace process. While the Council did not explicitly name Israel in its statement, it condemned the attacks, called for de-escalation, and reaffirmed respect for Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Calls for Accountability
At a special UNSC briefing — requested by Pakistan, Algeria, and Somalia — Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad welcomed the Council’s stance but urged stronger measures.
“The Council must hold aggressors accountable, safeguard mediators engaged in peace efforts, and recommit to international law and the UN Charter,” he stated.
Several nations highlighted concerns over what they described as a “pattern of aggression” undermining regional peace. Some even suggested the need to consider sanctions to prevent further escalation.
US and Arab Responses
US envoy Dorothy Shea acknowledged that unilateral bombings inside Qatar were not in the interest of peace, though she emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to secure the release of prisoners.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also strongly condemned threats of further strikes on Qatar, warning that any such action would be considered an attack on the collective Gulf security framework.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s Ambassador Amar Bendjama criticized repeated cross-border strikes in the region, stressing the need for the Council to take decisive steps before tensions worsen.
Regional Diplomacy in Motion
In response to the incident, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan began a diplomatic tour of Gulf capitals, aimed at reinforcing unity and “a common destiny” among Arab nations.
Qatar has announced it will host an emergency Arab-Islamic summit on September 15, bringing regional leaders together to discuss the way forward.
Pakistan Expresses Solidarity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Doha to extend Pakistan’s support to Qatar, describing the strike as a violation of international law and sovereignty.
During his meeting with Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the prime minister praised Qatar’s constructive role in Gaza peace efforts and welcomed its decision to convene the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and indicated Islamabad’s readiness to co-sponsor the initiative within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) framework.
