LIVE: Israel kills 42 in Gaza, UNSC condemns Doha attack

Israel Kills 42 in Gaza as UN Security Council Condemns Doha Strike

By Kamal Yalwa Published: 12 September 2025 At least 42 Palestinians were killed on Friday as Israeli airstrikes pounded multiple locations in the Gaza Strip, including densely populated refugee camps, according to local medical sources. Fourteen of the victims were reportedly from the same family. The deadly escalation came just hours after Israel launched a targeted strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, the capital of Qatar—an attack that has drawn sharp international condemnation. UN Security Council Holds Emergency Session In an emergency session held early Friday, members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike in Doha, describing it as a violation of international law and a dangerous precedent for state sovereignty. Diplomats from several member states expressed alarm that the strike took place on Qatari soil—one of the region’s key mediators in previous ceasefire negotiations—and warned of the potential for broader regional destabilization. The Qatari government has not yet confirmed casualties from the Doha strike, but officials labeled the attack a “flagrant breach” of its sovereignty. Hamas Vows to Keep Fighting In response to both the Doha and Gaza attacks, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to armed resistance, saying that Israel’s military actions would not alter its core demands. These include: A Hamas spokesperson said the group would not be “intimidated or coerced into surrender,” and that the movement is preparing for “prolonged confrontation.” Rising Civilian Toll Friday’s strikes targeted residential areas, including al-Shati refugee camp, where several homes were destroyed. Rescue workers and civilians continued searching for survivors under the rubble well into the morning. Hospitals in Gaza, already strained by months of conflict, are struggling to treat the influx of casualties. International Response While the United States has not issued a direct condemnation of the Doha strike, U.S. Ambassador to the UN said Washington is seeking “clarification” from Israeli officials. Several European and Arab nations have urged restraint and called for renewed diplomatic efforts. This latest round of violence adds to the growing death toll in Gaza, where thousands have been killed since the conflict reignited in late 2024. The humanitarian crisis in the enclave has reached catastrophic levels, with over 80% of the population displaced and critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

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Qatar condemns ‘cowardly’ Israeli attack in Doha

Qatar Condemns Israeli Strike in Doha as Cowardly Attack on Sovereignty

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned an Israeli airstrike that targeted a residential building in the capital, Doha, which was reportedly housing Hamas officials. The attack, described by Qatari authorities as a “cowardly” act, marks the first known Israeli strike on Qatari soil. In an official statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari called the attack a “flagrant violation of international law” and warned that Qatar would not tolerate such aggression. “The State of Qatar affirms that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and its continued tampering with regional security,” al-Ansari said, adding that investigations are ongoing and further details will be released. Casualties Confirmed Qatar’s Interior Ministry confirmed the death of Corporal Bader Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi Al-Dosari, a member of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), who was killed while on duty at the targeted site. Several other security personnel were reportedly injured. Israel Confirms Operation Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the strike, stating it was a “wholly independent Israeli operation” targeting top Hamas leaders. “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” Netanyahu said on social media. The targeted building, located in a densely populated area of Doha, is surrounded by residential units and several foreign embassies. The explosions were felt across the city. Hamas Leadership Survives Despite the strike, Hamas officials confirmed that the group’s leadership survived what they described as an “assassination attempt.” The attack reportedly took place while Hamas negotiators were meeting to discuss a new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Suhail al-Hindi, a senior Hamas official, labeled the strike a “cowardly assassination attempt” in remarks to Al Jazeera. Qatar’s Role in Mediation Undermined Qatar has long played a key role in mediating ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas, often working in partnership with Egypt and the United States. The targeted Hamas office in Doha was reportedly established at the request of the U.S. to facilitate diplomatic efforts. Al Jazeera correspondent Osama Bin Javaid noted the unprecedented nature of the strike, stating, “This is not a country at war. This is a country trying to establish peace.” Wider Conflict Escalates The attack in Doha comes amid escalating regional tensions. Israel continues to conduct military operations across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the occupied West Bank. According to rights groups, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed over 64,000 people since October 2023, prompting the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on war crimes charges. This latest strike is being viewed as a dangerous escalation, with potential implications for diplomatic mediation and regional stability.

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