THE United Nations security council on Thursday unanimously condemned Israel’s recent strikes on Qatar’s capital, Doha.

The United States, Israel’s main ally, joined with the council’s other 14 members to endorse the statement.

“The members of the security council expressed their condemnation of the recent strikes in Doha, the territory of a key mediator, on September 9. They expressed deep regret at the loss of civilian life,” the joint statement said.

“Council members underscored the importance of de-escalation and expressed their solidarity with Qatar. They underlined their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar, in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

“Council members recalled their support for the vital role that Qatar continues to play in mediation efforts in the region, and alongside Egypt and the United States.”

The attack, which took place on Tuesday, targeted the Hamas negotiating team in Doha as they prepared to develop a response to a ceasefire proposal for the conflict in Gaza.

The blast killed six people. Hamas says its top leadership survived but the attack disrupted ongoing negotiations over a hostage and prisoner release agreement.

China’s ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, said China condemned Israel’s attack as “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and security, a breach of international law and the UN Charter, and a deliberate disruption of peace efforts.”

Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon, said the attack was carried out against Hamas leaders, who had directed attacks from the “luxury confines of Doha.”

He added that the targets were “terrorists” rather than “legitimate politicians, diplomats, or representatives.”

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani welcomed the council decision to condemn “Israel’s treacherous attack on the residence of the Hamas delegation.”

Acting US representative, Dorothy Shea, said: “Unilateral bombing inside Qatar does not advance Israel’s or America’s goals.”

Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said that Israel’s attack constituted a “derailment of negotiations efforts.”