New York( The COW News Digital) The United States has condemned the recent Israeli airstrike on Qatar’s capital, Doha, while simultaneously defending Israel’s right to pursue Hamas as a legitimate target. Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Thursday, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, delivered Washington’s official position, balancing criticism of the strike with support for Israel’s security objectives.
Shea described the attack on Doha as a “regrettable incident” that neither advanced American interests nor contributed to Israel’s long-term security. “Such actions only risk escalating tensions and undermining ongoing efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza,” she told the Council. However, she emphasized that Hamas remained a threat to Israel and the wider region, and that targeting its leadership was “a legitimate and necessary goal.”
The ambassador called on Hamas to lay down its arms and immediately release the remaining Israeli hostages, urging the group to accept a ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza. “Hamas must make a choice between continuing violence and embracing a political process that could bring relief to the people of Gaza,” she said.
Shea also reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s security, stating that Washington remains committed to Israel’s right to self-defense. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his government’s willingness to work toward peace,” she added, citing his recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The statement came amid mounting international criticism of the strike on Doha, which killed several Hamas officials’ associates but spared the group’s top leadership. Qatar, a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks, condemned the attack as state terrorism and warned that it could derail hostage negotiations.
Diplomatic observers view the U.S. statement as an attempt to strike a careful balance between showing solidarity with its Gulf ally Qatar and maintaining its unwavering support for Israel. The move also signals Washington’s growing concern over the potential regional fallout if the conflict continues to escalate.
The Security Council session concluded with member states reaffirming the importance of de-escalation, respect for Qatar’s sovereignty, and renewed efforts toward humanitarian relief in Gaza.
