US joins UN Security Council’s condemnation of Doha airstrike ahead of Trump’s meeting with Qatari PM: Latest
The US has joined members of the UN Security Council in expressing “deep concern” and emphasising “de-escalation” following Israel’s airstrike targeting Hamas in Doha.
The Security Council statement did not mention Israel by name, but conveyed solidarity with Qatar and the “vital role” it’s played in mediating peace efforts in recent years.
President Donald Trump has walked a delicate line between two major allies following the Israeli attack, saying the unilateral action “did not advance Israel or America’s goals”. He has said he’s “not thrilled about it” but also suggested that “this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace.”
Mr Trump is expected to meet Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani this evening in New York before Doha hosts an emergency Arab-Islamic summit over the weekend.
The Qatari prime minister has said Benjamin Netanyahu “killed any hope” of a deal to release all the Israeli hostages in Gaza when he ordered an airstrike on Doha.
He called the airstrike an act of “state terror”.Hamas said Israel’s attack missed all its top negotiators, though five of its members were killed, including the son of exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya.
