Damascus: Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin said that the Israeli attack in Doha targeted not only the State of Qatar but also the mediators working to reach a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During his remarks at the UN Security Council emergency meeting, he condemned the Israeli strike on Qatar and described it as a new wave of regional escalation.

According to Qatar News Agency, Churkin emphasized that the attack hit a residential area in the Qatari capital where foreign diplomatic missions are located, noting the proximity of the Russian diplomatic mission, which is only about 600 meters from the site of the strike. He highlighted Qatar's pivotal role as a mediator between Palestinians and Israelis, commending its tireless efforts in recent months to halt the bloodshed in Gaza and facilitate the release of detainees.

Churkin expressed concern over the implications of such attacks, questioning what would prevent Israel from attempting to target its political opponents in other global capitals. He urged Israel to cease its aggressive actions that contribute to violence in the region.

Furthermore, Churkin articulated Russia's support for the initiative by the ten non-permanent Security Council members to draft a resolution addressing the situation in Gaza. The draft aims to demand the lifting of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery to the Strip and includes a call for a ceasefire, deemed essential for alleviating the suffering in Gaza.