UN rights chief condemns Israeli strike in Doha as ‘shocking breach of international law’

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has condemned Israel’s strike in Doha as a “shocking breach of international law” and a direct assault on global peace efforts, warning that it undermines internationally backed mediation and jeopardises the prospects for a two-state solution.

Speaking in Geneva, Türk described the September 9 attack as “a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar” and urged governments to halt arms transfers to Israel, demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and hold those responsible accountable.

“The attack violated the right to life under international human rights law and the principles of international humanitarian law. Targeting parties engaged in internationally supported mediation on its territory undermines Qatar’s key role as a facilitator and peace broker. It is an attack on global efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully," he said. "I urge this Council to reaffirm the central importance of mediation processes, and to call for accountability for unlawful killings."

According to reports, the Israeli military struck residential compounds in Doha on 9 September, reportedly housing members of Hamas’ political bureau.

Hamas leaders targeted

The attack targeted Hamas leaders as they met to discuss a Gaza ceasefire proposal put forth by US President Donald Trump. At least six people were killed, including five low-ranking Hamas members, though the group said its senior leadership survived the assassination attempt.

Türk stressed that targeting mediators not only violates international law but also undermines efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully. He warned that such actions threaten the integrity of ceasefire discussions and the broader peace process, particularly in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

“Laws exist to defend values central to our societies, and to our world,” Türk said. “The rules of war, which govern every party to armed conflict, were agreed over decades for the common good. Under those rules, the distinction between civilian and military targets is fundamental. An attack may never be targeted at civilians who are not taking a direct part in hostilities.”

He also highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pointing to Israel’s mass displacement orders and other measures he said contravene international humanitarian law.

"In the case of the Israeli attack in Doha, the Hamas delegation was in Qatar to negotiate for a ceasefire, a vital step towards peace. Peace that is so desperately needed in Gaza, in the occupied West Bank, in Lebanon, in Syria, in Yemen, and across the entire region. The Israeli attack was concurrent with other actions which are destroying any prospect of the two-state solution, the only route to sustainable peace," Türk said.

Urgent international action

Calling for urgent international action, Türk urged UN member states to adopt measures outlined by the International Court of Justice.

“Member States cannot wait any longer,” he said. “They must stop the flow of arms that risk violating the laws of war. They must apply maximum pressure for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and those arbitrarily detained, as well as the entry of sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza. And I urge them to do everything possible to support the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people.”

The strike drew swift regional condemnation. An emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on Monday denounced the attack as a “flagrant act of aggression” and pledged full solidarity with Qatar.

Chaired by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the summit’s final communique reaffirmed support for Qatar’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and endorsed any measures it may take in response.

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It also accused Israel of “crimes of genocide, ethnic cleansing, starvation and siege,” while urging urgent international action, including sanctions, a halt to arms supplies, and a review of diplomatic and economic ties.

Leaders further called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to coordinate efforts to suspend Israel’s UN membership, citing repeated violations of international law.

The communique reiterated support for Palestinian statehood based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, welcomed an upcoming international conference in New York on implementing the two-state solution, and praised Qatar’s mediation and humanitarian efforts.