Zionist strike on Qatar threatens regional stability and must face accountability: Al-Bannai
NEW YORK: Kuwait’s UN ambassador warned Monday that Gulf states will not tolerate any attack on the security or stability of the region, calling it “a red line” during an emergency UN Security Council session.
Tareq Al-Bannai, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned “the cowardly and blatant (Zionist) criminal attack” that targeted a residential area where members of Hamas’ political bureau were holding a meeting in Doha, Qatar. The strike killed several people, including a Qatari citizen, and injured others.
Al-Bannai said the attack was “a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms” and “a serious threat to the security and safety of the Qatari people and residents in the country.” He warned that any repeat of such actions would face “collective, stronger positions and deterrent political and legal measures within the frameworks available in the international system.”
The Kuwaiti diplomat described the strike as part of “systematic policies and ongoing attempts by the occupying entity to destabilize security and stability in the region,” and stressed that reckless attacks on the Gulf will not be tolerated.
He reaffirmed Qatar’s right to respond firmly, saying the Gulf states support “protecting its people and defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Al-Bannai added that this right is guaranteed under the UN Charter and that a strong response sends “a deterrent message to anyone who attempts to violate the sovereignty of states.”
Al-Bannai also called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities, insisting that perpetrators be held accountable. He emphasized the need for “decisive stances from regional and international blocs, including the UN Security Council,” and urged immediate steps to deter future attacks and activate accountability mechanisms to prevent repetition of such blatant violations.
The ambassador praised Qatar’s ongoing mediation and de-escalation efforts under the leadership of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He highlighted Doha’s role in “resolving disputes peacefully” and its contribution to “safeguarding international peace and security in accordance with the UN Charter.”
Concluding his statement, Al-Bannai affirmed that the GCC remains committed to strengthening global peace and security and reiterated support for Qatar in referring the attack to international mechanisms, calling on the world to hold those responsible accountable without delay. — KUNA
