UAE Condemns Israeli Strike on Qatar, Calls for GCC Unity

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly condemned the recent Israeli airstrike on Doha, Qatar, calling it a serious threat to the security and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). During an urgent debate at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, UAE’s Permanent Representative, Jamal Jama Al Musharakh, reaffirmed his country’s solidarity with Qatar and emphasized the need to confront threats to the region collectively.

The debate, convened at the request of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the GCC, addressed the growing concerns over escalations in the Gulf and their potential impact on regional peace. Al Musharakh described the Israeli strike as a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, a UN Member State, and warned that such actions risk destabilizing the broader Gulf region.

Israeli Strike on Doha: A Breach of International Law

Al Musharakh stressed that the attack represents a serious breach of international law, including the UN Charter, and constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights principles. He underlined that any act of aggression against a GCC member state is not just an isolated incident but a direct threat to the collective security framework of the Gulf region.

“The security and stability of Qatar are integral to the safety of all GCC member states,” he said. “Attacks against one member affect the entire Gulf and jeopardize the prospects for peace.” He cautioned that provocative military actions could push the region toward dangerous trajectories if left unchecked.

The UAE diplomat highlighted the human cost of the strike, expressing condolences for the death of a Qatari security officer. He conveyed the full support of the UAE for Qatar, reiterating the importance of solidarity among Gulf states in confronting external threats.

Regional Implications of the Strike

Experts suggest that the Israeli strike on Qatar could have far-reaching consequences for regional security. The Gulf Cooperation Council, a political and economic alliance comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, has historically acted as a collective security bloc. Any aggression against one member is considered a challenge to the stability of the entire region.

Analysts warn that such incidents escalate tensions between GCC states and external powers, potentially sparking broader military confrontations. Al Musharakh emphasized that maintaining peaceful relations and conflict resolution mechanisms is essential for the long-term stability of the Gulf.

UAE’s Position at the UN Human Rights Council

During the UNHRC debate, the UAE reiterated its commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, and multilateralism as tools for addressing regional conflicts. The representative stressed that provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric undermine efforts to foster peace and dialogue in the Middle East.

Al Musharakh warned that hate speech and aggressive statements could exacerbate tensions further, making de-escalation more challenging. “The region cannot afford further instability driven by provocative actions or inflammatory discourse,” he said.

The UAE also emphasized the importance of upholding UN principles, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of nations to live free from external aggression. He argued that adherence to international law is essential for preserving peace and preventing conflict escalation.

Role of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and GCC

The urgent debate at the UNHRC was held at the request of the OIC and GCC, reflecting the concern of multiple member states over the recent strike. These organizations play a critical role in advocating for the protection of member nations and promoting peace and security in the Gulf and broader Islamic world.

The UAE’s strong statements during the debate highlighted the importance of regional unity, particularly in times of crisis. Al Musharakh stressed that the GCC must act collectively to deter future threats and uphold the security of all member states.

Condemnation of Aggression and Call for Accountability

The UAE representative called for international accountability in response to the Israeli strike, emphasizing that violations of sovereignty and international law must not go unchallenged. He stressed that states that engage in aggressive actions should be held responsible, and international mechanisms must be employed to prevent recurrence.

Human rights advocates echoed the UAE’s concerns, emphasizing the need for multilateral oversight to protect civilian populations and prevent conflict escalation. They argued that attacks on sovereign nations risk destabilizing entire regions, affecting both security and economic stability.

Security and Stability of Qatar

Al Musharakh highlighted the direct impact of the strike on Qatar’s security infrastructure, noting that protecting critical national institutions is essential for the safety of the population. The UAE called for robust measures to safeguard Qatar and prevent further aggression.

He stressed that any threat to Qatar is inherently a threat to the Gulf, pointing out that the region’s security is interdependent. “The GCC must stand united against any external aggression,” he said, “as the stability of one state directly influences the safety of all member nations.”

Regional Peace and the Risk of Escalation

The UAE representative warned that continued attacks and provocations could push the region toward conflict, increasing risks for civilian populations and threatening economic and political stability. He urged all parties to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions and highlighted the importance of diplomatic engagement and dialogue to resolve disputes.

Analysts note that Gulf countries are closely monitoring the situation, as escalations could affect energy markets, trade routes, and international relations, further emphasizing the strategic importance of maintaining stability.

Condolences and Support

The UAE expressed condolences for the loss of Qatari personnel and reaffirmed its commitment to standing by Qatar in times of crisis. Al Musharakh emphasized the importance of solidarity among GCC nations and pledged that the UAE would continue to provide support and guidance in ensuring national security and regional stability.

The representative also urged international partners to respect the sovereignty of all Gulf states and avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions or provoke conflict.

The Importance of Upholding UN Principles

Throughout the debate, the UAE stressed the importance of upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty, human rights, and peaceful dispute resolution. Al Musharakh underlined that compliance with international law is essential for maintaining global order and regional peace.

He further warned that failure to adhere to these principles could set a dangerous precedent, allowing aggressive states to act with impunity and destabilizing regions with fragile security frameworks.The UAE’s strong condemnation of the Israeli strike on Qatar highlights the critical role of regional cooperation and multilateral diplomacy in ensuring Gulf security. By emphasizing solidarity with Qatar and calling for adherence to international law, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to peace, stability, and human rights in the Gulf region.

As the UNHRC debate concluded, it became clear that the situation in Doha is not an isolated incident but part of broader concerns regarding sovereignty, international law, and collective security in the Gulf. The UAE’s statements signal a firm stance against aggression and a dedication to protecting the stability and safety of GCC member states.

The incident also underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement, conflict prevention, and regional unity in maintaining security and peace in one of the world’s most strategically important regions. With ongoing monitoring by the UN and other international bodies, the UAE and GCC nations continue to advocate for accountability, dialogue, and measures to prevent further escalation.