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UN Rights Chief slams Israel’s strike on Doha as ‘Shocking violation of international law’

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has strongly condemned Israel’s September 9 attack on Doha, describing it as a grave breach of international law and an assault on global peace efforts.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Geneva: His remarks came during an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council, convened at the request of Kuwait on behalf of GCC states and Pakistan on behalf of the OIC.

Addressing the Council, Türk said the strike on Qatari territory represented “a shocking violation of international law, an assault on regional peace and stability, and a blow to the integrity of mediation and negotiation processes around the world.”

He warned that targeting Qatar, a state internationally recognized for its mediation efforts, undermines global conflict resolution mechanisms. “This attack violated the right to life under international human rights law and humanitarian law,” Türk said, calling for accountability and stronger international action.

Türk highlighted that the attack coincided with other Israeli measures undermining peace prospects, including an exodus order for one million residents of Gaza City and the launch of the “East Jerusalem Project,” moves he said further destroy hopes for a two-state solution. He stressed that Hamas representatives targeted in Doha were engaged in ceasefire negotiations, which had been a crucial step toward peace.

The UN rights chief urged all governments to condemn the attack, halt arms exports to Israel, and push for an immediate ceasefire. He also called for the release of prisoners and arbitrarily detained individuals, expanded humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and renewed support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination

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