Web Desk; Pakistan on Wednesday formally requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following Israeli airstrikes in Qatar’s capital, Doha, that targeted the Hamas leadership.
The request, made in coordination with Somalia and Algeria, came after what Islamabad described as “unprovoked illegal Israeli aggression” against a Gulf state that has long hosted the Palestinian group’s political offices.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the move on X, stating Pakistan stood in “complete solidarity” with Qatar and its people. Qatar itself condemned the strikes as a “cowardly act” and a blatant violation of international law. The Gulf state has served as a key mediator alongside Egypt in efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza’s nearly two-year conflict.
The strikes marked an escalation in Israel’s military campaign, expanding operations beyond Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria to the Gulf.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz defended the decision, declaring that “Israel’s long arm will act against its enemies anywhere” and vowing that all those involved in the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault would be held accountable.
According to Hamas, six people were killed in the attack, including an aide and adult son of senior negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, three bodyguards, and a Qatari security officer.
Hamas leaders, including Hayya and former chief Khaled Meshaal, reportedly survived. The group said the strike demonstrated Israel’s failure to eliminate its negotiating delegation.
The attack provoked sharp global reactions, including a rare rebuke from U.S. President Donald Trump. The White House insisted Washington had warned Qatar in advance, though Doha said the information came only once the strikes were underway.
Trump stressed he had not approved the decision, calling it a unilateral action by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I view Qatar as a strong ally and feel badly about the location of the attack,” he said, while reiterating that Hamas’s elimination remained “a worthy goal.”
Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, dismissed criticism, telling Fox News that if Hamas leaders had survived this round, “we’ll get them the next time.” Similarly, Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon insisted the assault was aimed at Hamas, not Qatar, and suggested it was necessary regardless of U.S. interests.
In Gaza itself, Israeli bombardment continued unabated. On Wednesday, the military demolished another residential tower in Gaza City, warning residents beforehand to evacuate. AFP images showed thick smoke rising as the Tiba 2 tower collapsed, with Palestinians combing the rubble for belongings.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened sharply, with the UN declaring famine in parts of the enclave last month. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen described the scenes from Gaza as “catastrophic” and said she would push for sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers and trade curbs. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded that such moves sent “the wrong message” and emboldened Hamas.
Qatar’s prime minister said his country reserved the right to respond to the strikes, calling them a “pivotal moment” for the region. Russia and China also condemned the attack, warning it undermined fragile peace efforts. Germany signaled it would consider proposals to reassess ties with Israel amid growing concern over the humanitarian toll.
Israel’s ongoing offensive has left more than 64,600 Palestinians dead, most of them civilians, sparking mounting accusations of war crimes and genocide — allegations Israel rejects.
