UN Experts Condemn Israeli Strike in Qatar That Killed Hamas Negotiators

United Nations human rights experts have strongly condemned Israel’s military strike in Qatar on 9 September 2025 that killed five members of Hamas’s negotiation team and a member of the Qatari security forces. The experts denounced the attack as a violation of fundamental international legal principles and a direct blow to ongoing peace and humanitarian efforts in the region.

Breach of International Law and Qatari Sovereignty

“This attack violates the human right to life, the UN Charter prohibition on excessive use of force, and Qatar’s sovereignty,” the UN experts said in a joint statement. They stressed that targeting individuals engaged in peace negotiations undermines the very foundations of conflict resolution and sets a dangerous precedent.

By striking on Qatari soil, the experts noted, Israel not only disregarded international law but also disrespected a state that has played a pivotal role in mediation efforts. Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of negotiations between Israeli officials, Hamas, and international mediators in attempts to end hostilities and secure the release of hostages.

Impact on Peace and Humanitarian Efforts

According to the UN experts, the strike is a severe setback for diplomatic initiatives aimed at halting the ongoing war in Gaza. “It undermines efforts in Qatar to mediate a peaceful end to the conflict, ensure access of humanitarian relief into Gaza, and secure the release of hostages and all other individuals who have been arbitrarily detained,” they said.

They added that assassinating negotiators violates “the most basic ground rules of peace-making,” which depend on dialogue conducted in good faith rather than violence. The experts praised Qatar’s “steadfast commitment and constructive diplomacy” despite the loss of its personnel and the blow to its mediation efforts.

Pattern of Cross-Border Strikes

The UN experts expressed alarm that the strike fits into a wider pattern of Israeli military operations carried out beyond its borders in recent years. They highlighted that such actions cannot be justified under the international law governing self-defence, international humanitarian law, or human rights law.

“This alarming trend must be addressed. We urge all States with information about such incidents to investigate them and bring the perpetrators to justice,” they said.

Related Attacks in Tunisia

In addition to the Qatar strike, the experts raised concerns about two apparent drone attacks on 8 and 9 September against the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian initiative intended to draw attention to Gaza’s blockade. The flotilla’s vessels, docked in Tunis, were reportedly struck by incendiary devices dropped from the air, igniting fires that were eventually extinguished.

“These incidents underscore the risks faced by international solidarity efforts and raise questions about deliberate targeting of humanitarian initiatives,” the experts warned.

Call for International Accountability

The experts emphasized that the international community has a responsibility to ensure accountability for acts that may amount to international crimes. “Wherever there are reasonable grounds to believe such crimes have been committed, investigations and prosecutions must follow,” they said.

They also underscored the necessity of safeguarding negotiation and mediation channels to build trust between warring parties. “Preserving the integrity of negotiation and mediation channels is crucial for fostering the trust that parties need to engage in meaningful dialogue,” the experts stressed.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The condemnation comes against the backdrop of catastrophic humanitarian suffering in Gaza. UN experts reminded the international community that hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or injured, while the territory’s infrastructure has been devastated by months of bombardment and blockade.

“The people in Gaza have endured immense suffering and irreparable harm with hundreds of thousands killed and injured — the entire territory devastated,” the experts said. They urged an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid, and the release of arbitrarily detained individuals.

What Comes Next

The international reaction to Israel’s strike in Qatar reflects growing concerns that military escalation is undermining already fragile diplomatic processes. The incident not only deepens mistrust between negotiating parties but also risks alienating mediators like Qatar, whose role has been critical in past ceasefire agreements.

For the UN experts, the message is clear: accountability, respect for international law, and urgent diplomatic engagement are essential to stop the cycle of violence and to address one of the gravest humanitarian crises of the century.