Doha: The General Authority of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO) affirmed that the Israeli occupation’s targeting of the State of Qatar, which serves as a mediator, constitutes a dangerous and unacceptable precedent that threatens the future of any diplomatic efforts in the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, the ARCO noted that the Israeli attack on Doha cannot be separated from the broader context of the Gaza Strip, where more than two million people are living under bombardment and blockade, hindering ongoing humanitarian and diplomatic efforts and efforts to end the humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip.
This came during an emergency online meeting held by the General Authority of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO), with the participation of several presidents and secretaries-general of the organization’s member national societies. The meeting was held at the official request of the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS).
The meeting discussed the humanitarian and legal dimensions of the blatant attack that targeted the Qatari capital, Doha, on Sep. 9, 2025, and the resulting human losses, material damage, and humanitarian repercussions. In his speech during the meeting, HE Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Yousef bin Ali Al Khater praised the efforts of the General Secretariat of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO) and all member national societies for their solidarity and rapid response in convening this emergency meeting.
This meeting embodies the spirit of Arab and humanitarian brotherhood in the face of the blatant attack on the State of Qatar, which resulted in the deaths of martyrs and victims and the destruction of a residential building in a safe civilian neighborhood surrounded by schools and kindergartens. He added that this incident occurred during a political meeting dedicated to discussing a US proposal for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in the Gaza Strip.
He said that this attack constitutes a grave violation of the principles of international humanitarian law, according to Article 48 of Additional Protocol I of 1977, concerning the principle of distinction, Article 51, concerning the protection of civilians, and Article 52, concerning the protection of civilian objects. It also clearly undermines mediation efforts and peace efforts.
He emphasized that the targeting of the Qatari capital, Doha, cannot be separated from the broader context in the Gaza Strip, indicating that what happened in Doha was not an attack on the State of Qatar alone, but rather an attack on the values of humanitarian mediation, peacemaking efforts, and the sanctity of international humanitarian law. Al Khater offered his sincere condolences to the families of the martyrs and their relatives.
He also affirmed Qatar Red Crescent’s welcome and appreciation for the State of Qatar’s commitment to continuing its role as a neutral and effective mediator, adhering to humanitarian principles and values. In the meeting’s closing statement, the Arab Red Crescent and Cross Organization emphasized the need to respect international humanitarian law, recalled the obligations contained in the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, particularly those related to the protection of civilians and civilian objects, and called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities regarding promoting respect for international humanitarian law.
The statement commended the State of Qatar’s mediation efforts, welcomed its continued commitment to these efforts aimed at alleviating human suffering and enhancing prospects for peace, and expressed appreciation for its humanitarian efforts to provide relief to those affected in the Gaza Strip, particularly through the Qatar Red Crescent. It called on the international community, including states, international, regional, and humanitarian organizations, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to assume their legal and moral responsibilities and take urgent measures to halt Israeli violations and prevent acts that violate international humanitarian law and its fundamental principles.
It emphasized respect for mediation efforts and the protection of negotiators and mediators, as they are essential tools for ending the conflict and paving the way for peace. It emphasized that targeting a neutral state acting as a mediator constitutes a dangerous and unacceptable precedent and threatens the future of any diplomatic efforts in the region.
He expressed his deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which is experiencing catastrophic humanitarian conditions due to the blockade, bombing, and famine. He called for an immediate ceasefire and ensuring safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to protect the lives and dignity of civilians. He praised the efforts and great sacrifices of the Palestine Red Crescent Society under these exceptional circumstances, affirming his support for the continuation of its noble humanitarian mission.
The Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization offered its deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs who lost their lives as a result of the strike, expressing its sympathy and solidarity with them in this great loss, and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Concluding the statement, the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization and the member national societies affirmed their full commitment to the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and their readiness to continue their humanitarian role in the most difficult circumstances, advocating for just humanitarian causes, promoting respect for international humanitarian law, and protecting civilians in conflict.