
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.