Amman, Sept. 23 (Petra) – Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that Doha had come under a "treacherous attack," which constitutes a flagrant violation of international norms and "an odious act of state terrorism." He said Israeli bombardment had targeted "a peace-making state" that for two years had exerted strenuous efforts to end the Gaza war. He noted that Qatari mediation, in partnership with Egypt and the United States, had secured the release of 148 hostages.

"No party seeks to assassinate a delegation it is negotiating with unless its intent is to sabotage the talks," Sheikh Tamim said, adding, "If the price of freeing the hostages is halting the war, then Israel’s government has chosen to abandon their release." He warned that the retreat of international law before raw power would mean the triumph of "the law of the jungle," stressing that tolerating violations in international relations is a sign of weakness and impotence.

The Emir accused Israel’s prime minister of exploiting the war as an opportunity to expand settlements, alter the status quo in Jerusalem, and boast about blocking peace with the Palestinians. He said Israel sought to impose its will on the Arab region while branding any opposition as terrorism or antisemitism.

Qatar, he affirmed, has chosen to uphold international law and speak the truth without fear. Despite disinformation campaigns, Doha remains committed to a difficult mediation to end the war. "Recognition of the State of Palestine confirms that violence cannot erase an issue such as the Palestinian cause," he said, commending the countries that have recognized Palestinian statehood.

//Petra// AF