The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is set to hold an urgent debate in Geneva on Tuesday following an Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar on September 9, 2025. The strike has heightened regional tensions and drawn international attention.
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What Happened
The Israeli airstrike, which Hamas reports killed five members, has sparked strong reactions from Arab countries. The attack has also strained relations between Israel and several Gulf states, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which normalized diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020.
The UNHRC’s decision to organize the special debate follows a formal request by Pakistan, representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Kuwait, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The debate comes after a meeting in Doha, where Arab and Islamic leaders discussed Israel’s airstrike, describing it as a “hostile act” that undermines peace efforts and threatens regional coexistence. A draft resolution circulating among the leaders calls the strike a serious threat to regional stability and normalization efforts.
Israel’s Response
Israel’s mission in Geneva quickly criticized the UNHRC’s decision, calling it “absurd” and highly politicized. The mission argued that any outcome from the debate could damage the credibility of the council’s human rights system. This will be the 10th immediate debate organized by UNHRC since its establishment in 2006.
Regional Tension and Diplomacy
The airstrike is expected to have long-term implications for Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly Israel’s relationship with the UAE. The normalization of relations in 2020 was a historic diplomatic milestone, and this recent attack on Qatar now tests the durability of that agreement.
The Geneva debate will likely highlight ongoing geopolitical challenges, emphasizing the need to prevent further “hostile acts” and protect regional stability.
What Happens Next
As the UNHRC debate unfolds, global attention will focus on whether the international community can maintain momentum for peace and coexistence in the region, or if the airstrike will further escalate tensions.
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