UN Human Rights Chief Condemns Israeli Strike on Hamas Negotiators in Doha

During an emergency session at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, UN human rights chief Volker Turk strongly condemned Israel's recent strike targeting Hamas negotiators in Doha. He described the Sept. 9 attack as "a shocking breach of international law, an assault on regional peace and stability, and a blow against the integrity of mediation and negotiating processes around the world."

Turk underscored that the assault contravened international human rights law by violating the right to life and breached principles established under international humanitarian law. He stressed that attacking parties actively engaged in peace negotiations damages Qatar's pivotal role as a mediator.

"It is an attack on global efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully," Turk emphasized.

In addition to the attack, Turk highlighted Israel's recent displacement order affecting one million residents in Gaza City and the approval of the E1 settlement project near East Jerusalem. He warned these actions push the two-state solution "closer and closer to a point of no return."

The human rights chief called on member states to immediately cease supplying arms to Israel if there is a risk those weapons violate international laws governing warfare, stating, "Member States cannot wait any longer."

European Union representative Deike Potzel also spoke during the debate, expressing full solidarity with Qatar, which she described as "our strategic partner that, alongside Egypt and the United States, plays a crucial role in mediating the Gaza conflict."

Potzel emphasized the international community's urgent focus must remain on achieving a ceasefire, securing the release of all hostages, and ensuring unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza. She reaffirmed the EU's support for Qatar's ongoing mediation efforts.

"We urge all parties to refrain from any actions that jeopardize mediation channels and regional stability, and to remain committed to the two-state solution," Potzel concluded.