In a powerful address at the United Nations General Assembly, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has vocally condemned Israel’s recent military actions, which he described as a “treacherous attack” aimed at Hamas leadership. This condemnation comes amid ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate.
The Emir’s remarks were directed at a bombing that occurred on September 9 in Doha, which targeted Hamas officials who were convened to discuss a ceasefire proposal put forth by U.S. President Donald Trump. Sheikh Tamim characterized this attack as “state terrorism,” emphasizing that it not only undermines diplomatic attempts to end the violence in Gaza but also highlights Israel’s transformation into a “rogue” state. The bombing claimed six lives and drew widespread condemnation from the international community, although the Hamas leaders themselves survived the assassination attempt.
Addressing the assembly in New York, Sheikh Tamim criticized the timing and location of the attack, noting that it took place in a residential area housing schools and diplomatic missions, and amounted to a blatant act of political assassination. He expressed concern about the implications of such actions for peace negotiations, stating, “It is difficult to cooperate with such a mentality that does not respect the most minimum standards of cooperation.”
In a stark indictment of Israel’s actions, the Emir accused the Israeli government of treating negotiations as a mere extension of warfare, designed to mislead public opinion while continuing to inflict suffering on the people of Gaza. He argued that Israel’s objective appears to be the systematic destruction of Gaza, rendering it uninhabitable, devoid of educational and medical facilities.
Sheikh Tamim further asserted that, contrary to Israel’s self-portrayal as a democratic nation surrounded by enemies, it is in fact an aggressor against its neighbors, engaged in what he termed “genocide.” He pointed out a troubling trend where dissent against Israeli policies is labeled as either anti-Semitic or tantamount to terrorism, a tactic that is increasingly being recognized and rejected even by Israel’s allies.
Drawing a parallel to historical struggles for justice, the Emir remarked on the emergence of a global solidarity movement reminiscent of the anti-apartheid movement of the previous century. His comments came against a backdrop of intensifying violence in Gaza, where over 65,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives since the onset of Israel’s military campaign.
As the UN session unfolded, other world leaders echoed Sheikh Tamim’s sentiments. U.S. President Donald Trump called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the complicity of those who remain silent in the face of such violence. Jordan’s King Abdullah II characterized Israel’s actions as “one of the darkest moments in this institution’s history,” emphasizing that the roots of the conflict extend deep into history.
The discussion around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict gained momentum as French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders were set to address the assembly. France and Saudi Arabia took the initiative to gather global leaders to advocate for a two-state solution, highlighting the increasing recognition of Palestinian statehood by several European nations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also delivered a passionate plea for the respect of human rights, referencing a recent report from the UN Human Rights Council that accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Both the U.S. and Israel, who have historically criticized the council, dismissed the findings, with the Trump administration having withdrawn from the body earlier this year.
In his address, Guterres insisted that human rights must be at the forefront of any peace efforts, stating, “We must choose human dignity and human rights. Human rights are not an ornament of peace; they are its bedrock.” He underscored the necessity for justice to take precedence over silence in the face of such human suffering.
Sheikh Tamim linked the September 9 bombing to a broader context of violations of international law, asserting that the global community must uphold the international rules-based order. He cautioned against allowing a culture of impunity to flourish, where violators of human rights and international norms operate without accountability. “This means, if we allow violations to continue, it means allowing the rule of the jungle, where perpetrators and violators enjoy benefits just because they can,” he warned, calling for a united front to ensure the protection of human dignity and state sovereignty.
